
Class 

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COPYRIGHT DEPOSnV 



THE BOY-SAVERS' GUIDE 



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THE AUTHOR'S FOUI 




UNDRED "CREDENTIALS 




THE AUTHOR'S FOUR HUNDRED "CREDENTIALS' 



THE 
BOY-SAVERS' GUIDE 



S^otittp Wiotk far Hahi in 



BY 

Rev. GEORGE E. QUIN, S.J 



NEW YORK, CINCINNATI, CHICAGO 

BENZIGER BROTHERS 

Printers to the Holy apostolic See 
1908 



Wbil «tietat. 



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REMY LAFORT, 

Cemer LUrarum. 



trmprfmatun 



•J. JOHN M. FARLEY, 

Archhisktp of N*w York. 



LIBRARY of CONGRESS 

Two Oop:e£ deceived 

DEC \2 1908 

GLASS CU XXC, iMO; 



New York, October a», 1908. 



COFYRIGHT, 1908, BY BbNZIGZR BrOTOTM 



INTRODUCTION 

SECTION I WHY THE WRITER HAS WRITTEN^ 

It has been with the aim of furthering religion 
in those whose loyalty to the holy cause will do 
most toward stemming the rising tide of unbelief, 
anarchy, and immorality; for assuredly spiritual 
advancement is of its very highest efficacy in the di- 
rections just named when secured in our boys, des- 
tined to be heads of families and leaders in all de- 
partments of life. 

And yet these arbiters of the future carry the 
seed of pretty much all the evil that Is to be. Bless 
their innocent sisters, who stand so little In need of 
preservative care I Indeed, in godliness of life, the 
gentler half of our race could easily hold Its own if 
only the sterner partner would cease playing the 
role of tempter. Take care of the boys, then, and 
the girls will take care of themselves. Nay, more ; 
could but half of the obstreperous scampllngs be 
made Into anything like perfect men, feminine vir- 
tue, thereby obtaining fuller play, would almost re- 
pair the primeval lapse and restore the world to a 
paradise anew. 

For all that, however, the weaker sex, when 
evilly led by the stronger, must in turn lose sight 
of God and His holy laws. Hence, If Catholicity 
(the only force able to cope with scepticism or with 
social and moral disorder) Is to possess the energy 

^This volume revises and completes what the author has 
presented on his subject in the booklets entitled, "The Boy- 
Savers' Series." 



vi Introduction 

needful for coming battles, It must be preserved 
and strengthened In the hearts of American male 
youth. Here, finally, Is a consideration calling loudly 
for action In favor of our boys, who, as a class, are 
exposed to the dally outgivings of unbelief and an- 
archy and can not reach early maturity without 
familiarity with the spectacle of vice enthroned. 

Whatever pseudo-confidence may be opposed to 
this urgent call Is no more than the feeble negative 
consolation of knowing that In our land faith and, 
consequently, social and moral order are less men- 
aced than under certain other flags. To be sure 
throughout the United States we have not reached 
the plight of some foreign communities, where 
Catholic male adults are scarcely seen in church, 
save for their own or others' funerals; neverthe- 
less, the forerunner of this deplorable status, the 
Catholic man utterly neglectful and indifferent re- 
garding religious matters, is so common with us as 
to be met at every turn. Is this familiar spiritual 
monstrosity to multiply, or is he to become less in 
evidence on our soil? 

We have here a momentous question; for ac- 
cordingly as It will be answered, chaos for the pres- 
ent life and the next, or safety for the present life 
and that to come is In store. Obviously, the query 
could be given a more cheering response were each 
and every one of our parishes permanently pro- 
vided with a thoroughgoing boys' organization; 
and It is in the hope of contributing to the creation 
of that reassuring answer — In the hope, therefore, 
of helping at least some parishes to maintain a sav- 
ing juvenile movement — that the writer has as- 
sumed the present task. 



Expedients to Choose From vil 

SECTION II — EXPEDIENTS TO CHOOSE FROM 

However, warm Interest in youth does not bur- 
den these pages with a dictatorial tone. They are 
written for the purpose of simply suggesting di- 
vers measures, all of them tested during years of 
personal experience, which it is hoped may be 
found helpful to practical friends of city boys. 

And while a special form of first communion 
preparation, operative apart from fraternities, is 
presented at the close of this volume, the expedients 
to be offered are mainly in favor of societies ; they, 
consequently, are proposed for use on our young 
friends as on an evasive, rather disorderly, and 
more or less wayward element to be gathered into 
organizations and, through the organizations, to 
be controlled and improved. 

Indeed, as regards the first of the three foregoing 
departments of endeavor, it should be carefully 
noted that the rather numerous attractions of fu- 
ture chapters will be presented, not for simul- 
taneous use, but for selections suited to circum- 
stances. This limitation is emphasized by the fact 
that, while the author has some time or other plied 
every one of his drawing features, he has never 
dreamed of such a thing as employing them all con- 
jointly. And still there is excellent reason for pub- 
lishing in full the expedients that have proved of 
practical value; an excellent reason again for ask- 
ing other organizers to do likewise. 

Sadly enough, our apostolate, though of ac- 
knowledged importance, is commonly regarded 
askance, as if hedged round about with difficulties 
insuperable to all save such as are specially fitted 



vlii Introduction 

for the task by rare personal gifts. Here, truly, is 
a deplorable misconception, to be removed if possi- 
ble; but the same were best removed if those who 
have actually rallied boys could only be induced 
to make common property of the plain, business- 
like methods through which they have achieved 
success. Such action would enforce the contention 
that rescue work is dependent mainly on systematic 
endeavor; and this while greatly encouraging new 
leaders by affording them a wider choice of ways 
and means. 

Neither will those already in harness fail to 
profit by the consideration of the methods of 
others. In the present important affair, we must 
all remain painstaking inquirers and learners; for 
boys are like other high explosives: treated with 
care, they make ready to move the world; awk- 
wardly handled, they wreck the workshop. 

SECTION III — LADS IN THEIR TEENS TO BE CARED 

FOR. NO SPECIAL FORM OF SOCIETY 

RECOMMENDED 

The devotion of the present undertaking solely 
to subjects in their teens appears in the undertak- 
ing's very title. On the one hand a conspicuous 
presentment of this limitation seems called for as 
emphasizing the writer's earnest objection to the 
admission of youngsters (apparently) twelve years 
of age or younger. 

There is, furthermore, a second and still more 
important reason for making the limitation unmis- 
takably clear; it is that in discussions on our sub- 
ject the word "boys" is very frequently used to sig- 



Lads in Their Teens to he Cared For ix 

nify juveniles and adolescents of all ages, Including 
even persons who have passed their majority. Now 
this ambiguous and hopelessly confusing accept- 
ance of an all-important term is justly obviated by 
the permanent declaration that the "boys" of the 
present pages are really such, and are to be pro- 
vided for according to the demands and facilities 
of their special time of life. 

For, considered as material for pious societies, 
young fellows between thirteen and eighteen form 
a well-defined category of their own. In, for in- 
stance, the vital matters of susceptibility to avail- 
able attractions and acceptance of the director's 
leadership, they by no means call for classification 
with young men, but are practically on the same 
footing with girls and can be organized along lines 
that would prove utterly Impracticable with older 
youths. 

Meanwhile I suggest no particular kind of so- 
ciety; only measures which It Is hoped will be found 
applicable here and there to religious bodies In gen- 
eral. In fact, any Idea of securing absolute unity 
of formation In juvenile associations must be re- 
placed with a welcome to diversity of formation 
when we note that secondary but Important aims 
should vary with local circumstances; and that even 
fraternities the same in name and general purpose 
ought to show differences resulting from the fact 
that each worker wisely manages by ways and 
means chosen to suit his own Individual disposition 
and taste. 

It is to be admitted, Indeed, that the organizer 
is himself the very best constitution for his society 
and should boldly inscribe on its escutcheon the 



X Introduction 

autocratic motto, I'etat, c'est moi. The feasibility 
of his so doing Is made all the clearer by the abid- 
ing and openly displayed confidence of the young 
people concerned. These invariably ignore the 
title and special features of their society to name 
themselves after its director. People may call the 
members ''sodallsts," "Catholic cadets," or "total 
abstainers"; but the members, as persistently self- 
described, are simply "Father Such-a-one*s boys," 
and to the end of the chapter their creed seems to 
be almost the Mohammedanlike declaration, 
"There is one God and Father Such-a-one is His 
Prophet." 

Clearly, however, the diversities, in matters of 
detail, here anticipated do not by any means mar the 
unity of our societies In making for the one supreme 
object before them. In this apostolate it is literally 
true that all roads lead Romeward, . since every 
variety of Catholic juvenile associations necessarily 
forms loving and zealous sons of Mother Church. 

SECTION IV PRIESTLY ENDEAVOR TO BE INDE- 
PENDENT OF boys' clubs 

As a matter of course my treatise on the care of 
parish boys is directed primarily to brother priests, 
and this with profound appreciation for the marvel- 
ously superior facilities given them by the grace and 
authority of their sacred calling, and by the im- 
plicit confidence of the faithful, whether old or 
young. Meanwhile, as will be kindly noted, cleri- 
cal workers are asked to consider methods prescind- 
ing wholly from the permanent amusement center 
or club, the management of which under normal 



Priestly Endeavor Independent of Clubs xi 

circumstances they are strongly dissuaded from un- 
dertaking. 

It is really most unfortunate that most sacer- 
dotal would-be organizers accept as indispensable 
this institution which they rarely need and the di- 
rection of which offers special difficulty for them- 
selves in particular. Indeed, in its present connec- 
tion with priestly activity, the boys' club is some- 
thing of a dog in the manger; itself can not well 
materialize, neither will it permit other forms of 
endeavor to appear. Further on, to be sure, atten- 
tion is given to the ever-open rendezvous, but the 
pages so filled are addressed preferably to lay work- 
ers. 

As is seen in the last- remark, appreciation of the 
superlatively excellent opportunities afforded di- 
rectors In Holy Orders does not at all blind one 
to the splendid results others have been accomplish- 
ing In the past and can multiply hereafter. Suc- 
cessful boy gatherers, acting under the direction of 
pastors, or at least harmoniously with them, are 
brothers of Religious communities, members of the 
St. Vincent de Paul Conferences, or zealous laymen 
laboring by themselves; and the author, after treat- 
ting every nook and cranny of his subject. Is confi- 
dently hopeful that all of these good workers as 
well as their more numerous hoped-for successors 
can be aided by what has been written. 



CONTENTS 



Introduction 
MATTERS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE 

PAGE 

Section L— Why the Writer Has Written . . . y 
Section II. — Expedients to Choose from . . . vii 
Section III. — Lads in Their Teens to be Cared for. 

No Special Form of Society Recommended . . viii 
Section IV. — Priestly Endeavor to be Independent of 

Boys' Clubs 



Chapter I 

AN EFFECTIVE AGENCY 

Section I. — What Our Schools Can Not Do . . I 
Section II. — What Young Men's Societies Can Not 

Do 3 

Section III. — Sterile and Fertile Soils Contrasted . . 4 
Section IV.— Can Societies for Male Adults Ambition 

Future Better Standing? .7 

Section V.—What the Boys' Organizer Can Do . .10 



Chapter II 

THESIS : BOYS' DIRECTORS ARE NOT BORN 
BUT (SELF) -MADE 

Section I.—Clearing the Ground 12 

Section II.— The Boy-Saver's First Essential — Intelli- 
gent Zeal 15 

Section III. — The Boy-Saver's Second Essential — Some 

Disciplinary Skill 17 

Section IV.— Boys More Controllable in Pious Organ- 
izations than in Schools . . . . . .19 

xiii 



xiv Contents 

Section V. — The Boy- Saver's Last Essential — A 
Readiness for Expedients Congenial to His 
Charges 21 

Section VI. — A Cheering Word 22 



Chapter III 
WHY NOT BEGIN? 



Section L— "I Have No Personal Magnetism and 
Therefore Should Not Try" 24 

Section II. — "Of Course Any Generous Donor Me- 
chanically Gathers a Transient Crowd of Urchins; 
but only the Magnetic Man Can Retain Them for 
Organization Purposes" .26 

Section III. — "The Proper Management of a Boys' Soci- 
ety, Like that of a Large Sunday-School, Will Occupy 
Pretty Much All of One's Time and Should be 
Undertaken only by Those Who Practically Have 
Nothing Else to Do" ...... 28 

Section IV. — "At Least the Chances Are That, Owing 
to a Lack of Leisure, Money, or Required Qualifica- 
tions, I Would Not Succeed in This Business. Are 
There Not Already Enough Failures?" ... 31 

Section V. — "After a Little My Present Residence Will 
Change, and. Since Active Interest in Boys Is Some- 
what Rare, Anything I May Establish Will Then 
Fail for Want of a Successor. Why Begin What 
Must Shortly Collapse?" . . . . . .32 



Chapter IV 
PHILANTHROPY OUTDONE 

Section I.— Humanitarianism Good: Religion Better 35 
Section II. — Stooping to Conquer .... 36 
Section III. — Stooping with Dignity .... 38 

Section IV. — Favoritism -39 

Section V. — In Deep Water 40 

Section VI.— An Objection : "Religious Features En- 
dangered" .43 

Section VII.— Another Objection: "Venal Practice of 

Religion Will Result" 44 



Contents 



XV 



Chapter V 
SPREADING THE SALVATION NET 



Section I.- 

Section II. 

Section III. 

. Public 

Section IV.- 

Section V.- 

Section VL- 

ful . 



-Pastimes in the Shadow of the Church . 
-A Blessing for City Boys Especially 
-Keep Organized Juveniles Before the 

-A Greater Advantage .... 
-A Standard Catholic Argument Applied . 
-Newspapers and Show Windows Help- 



47 
48 

SO 
51 
52 

54 



Chapter VI 
GIFTS 



-"Beatius Est Magis Dare" 

-Boyish Ideas Should Direct Prize Dis- 



Section I. 
Section II. 

tributions 
Section III. — An "Unearned Increment" in the Junior 

Commonwealth 

Section IV.— When Should Windfalls be Distributed? 

With What Assistance? How Often? . 

Section V. — Rapid Drawings 64 

Section VI. — Final Proceedings 67 

Section VIL— Utilizing Pious Articles .... 69 



57 
59 
61 
62 



Chapter VII 
TORCHLIGHT PARADES 



Section I.— Comparable to the Cadet Drill 

Section II. — Additional Advantages . 

Section III. — Difficulties .... 

Section IV.— Formation . . 

Section V.— Protecting the "Accoutermcnts" 

Section VI.— Res Clamat Domino 

Section VIL— Arming the Forces 

Section VIIL— From Start to Finish . 



72 
73 
75 
77 
76 
80 
82 
84 



xvi Contents 

Chapter VIII 
ATHLETIC SPORTS 

Section I. — Concerning Baseball and Other Co-opera- 
tive Games 87 

Section II.— General Athletics More Helpful . .88 
Section III.— A Few Practical Hints .... 90 

Chapter IX 
BADGES: SUIT THEM TO THE WEARERS 

Section I. — Boys and Buttons 93 

Section IL — Popular Buttons versus Artistic Ones . 94 

Section III.— Youthful "Old Age" on Its Dignity . 97 

Section IV. — "Business Is Business" .... 99 

Chapter X 
BADGES : ENCOURAGE THEIR USE 

Section I. — Stimulating Display loi 

Section II. — Further Legislation 103 

Section III. — Saving Appearances 105 

Section IV— Button Traffic Made Easy . . .106 

Chapter XI 
LIBRARY HINTS 

Section I. — A Few Books Suffice . . . .110 

Section II. — Vandalism Restrained . . . .111 

Section III.— A Paper Detective 112 

Section IV.— A Rule of Christian Life Applied . .114 

Chapter XII 
INDOOR FUN 

Section I.— For the Long Winter Nights . . .116 
Section II. — "Homemade" Amusement . . . 117 



Contents 



XVI 1 



Section III. — Palatial Dens .... 
Section IV. — Pollux Exonerated . 
Section V. — Permanent Entertainment Cards 
Section VI.~Method Helps Method . 



ii8 

121 
122 
124 



Chapter XIII 
THE BOYS' CLUB 



Section I. — Rarely for Immediate Pastoral Direction 
Section II. — Inviting to Zealous Laymen . 
Section III. — With the Club's Opponents . 
Section IV. — Evening's Shades Brightened . 
Section V. — Where Sunlight is Darkness . 
Section VI. — Evil-Doers Considered 



126 
128 
130 
132 
133 
135 



Chapter XIV 
CLUB HINTS 

Section I.— The Place and Its Chief Manager . . 136 
Section II. — The Reading Room . . . .137 
Section III. — The Gymnasium and the Musical Depart- 
ment 138 

Section IV. — Amusements of Injured Reputation . 140 

Section V. — Concerning Card Play at the Club . . 141 

Section VI. — The Other Offenders: Billiards and Pool 143 

Section VII.-— Filling the Exchequer . . . . i45 



Chapter XV 

THE FINANCIAL QUESTION. ITS ECONOMIC 
SIDE 



Section I.— A Problem That Can not be Ignored 
Section II.— Testing the World's Marts 

Section III.— Additional Business Matters 

Section IV.— "Paying the Piper" . 
Section V.— Charity's Stumbling-Blocks 

Section VI. — Encouraging Facts . 

Section VII.— And Finally . . . 



^47 
148 

149 
151 
152 
155 
156 



xvlii Contents 

Chapter XVI 
UENFANT TERRIBLE 

Section I. — Child Membership a Serious Drawback to 
Juvenile Societies 158 

Section II. — Child Membership in Juvenile Societies 
Acts Ruinously on Even Young Men's Associations 161 

Section III.— Concerning Boys not yet in Their Teens 162 

Section IV. — Age Semblance as a Criterion of Mem- 
bership. Its Strong Points 163 

Section V. — Age Semblance as a Criterion of Mem- 
bership. Its Weak Point 166 

Section VI.— A New Century Expedient . . .167 

Chapter XVII 
A PHYSICAL CRITERION FOR MEMBERSHIP 

Section I. — Measurement of Stature Applied to Can- 
didacy 169 

Section II. — Method versus Magnetism Again . . 172 
Section III. — The Proposed Method Actually Tested . 173 

Section IV. — Tricks of the Trade 174 

Section V.— What About the Lilliputians? . . .176 

Chapter XVIII 

THE ROUGHER ELEMENT 

Section I. — Should Juvenile 'Toughs" Be Enrolled? 179 

Section II.— All That's Gold Does not Glitter . . 181 
Section III. — A Most Sacred Attraction for Young 

"Toughs" 182 

Section IV. — Membership of Bad Boys not Seriously 

Detrimental to Good Ones 184 

Chapter XIX 
THE WAITING LIST 

Section I. — A Stimulus to Faithful Membership . . 187 
Section II. — A Refugium Peccatorum , . . .189 



Contents xlx 

Section III. — The Formative Process .... 192 
Section IV. — Lastly 194 



Chapter XX 

BRIEF PRIVATE VISITS BY THE BOYS TO 
BE ENCOURAGED 



Section I. — Attracting Callers . . . . .196 
Section II. — The Host's Opportunities . . -197 
Section III. — Mercenary Visits Turned to Account . 198 

Section IV. — Another Gain 199 

Section V. — Interviews, When "Short," Are "Sweet" . 201 
Section VI. — A Few Seconds for Each Caller; Only a 

Daily Quarter of an Hour for All .... 203 



Chapter XXI 
THE PLEDGE 

Section I. — The Boys' Total Abstinence Movement 

as Commonly Conducted 204 

Section II. — Objections Stated and Answered . . 205 

Section III. — Organization a Powerful Support to 

Faithful Observance 208 

Section IV. — A "Homemade" Diploma . . . 209 



Chapter XXII 

THE RELIGIOUS MEETING :— PREPARING 
FOR IT 

Section I.— Simple, Well-Meant Attendance an Up- 
lift 211 

Section IL— How Often Should Meetings Be Held? 213 
Section III. — Juvenile Megalomania Turned to Ac- 
count 214 

Section IV. — "Compel Them to Come in, That My 

House May be Filled" 216 

Section V. — Meetings Tactfully Adjusted . . 217 
Section VI.— Boyish Taste Suited . . . .218 

Section VII.— At What Hour? . . . . . 219 

Section VIII. — Where? 220 

Section IX. — Groundless Fears 222 



XX Contents 



Chapter XXIII 

THE RELIGIOUS MEETING : LOCATING BOTH 
THE BOYS AND THEIR DIRECTOR 

Section I. — A Measure of the First Importance : Each 

Member to Keep an Assigned Place . . 224 

Section XL— Strict Fidelity to This Rule Easily Ob- 
tained . . . 226 

Section III. — Further Precautions .... 227 

Section IV. — Guard the Exit 229 



Chapter XXIV 

THE RELIGIOUS MEETING: MAKE IT 
CHEERFUL 

Section I.— The Early Bird Should Get Its Worm 231 
Section II. — At the Church Door .... 232 
Section III. — Mischief to be not Merely Suppressed, 

but Forestalled 234 

Section IV. — Short Meetings the Best .... 237 
Section V. — An Order of Exercises . . . .238 



Chapter XXV 

FEATURES OF THE SERVICE RENDERED 
BY THE BOYS THEMSELVES 

Section I. — Sacred Song 239 

Section II. — You Can Have the Boys Sing Unless a 

Musician 240 

Section III. — Secrets of the Modest Conservatory 242 
Section IV. — A Special Hymn-Book for Your Own 

Society; Its Strong Points and Its Drawback . . 245 

Section V.— At Prayer 247 

Chapter XXVI 
THE MEETING ADDRESSED 

Section I. — Miscellaneous Remarks .... 250 

Section II.— The Best of Attention Secured . . 252 

Section III. — The Formal Instruction .... 253 
Section IV. — Some Disregard Due Simplicity; Others 

Fail to Acquire It 256 



Contents xxi 

Chapter XXVII 

THE "STORY INSTRUCTION": VERY HELP- 
FUL AND EASILY HAD 

Section I. — A Deeply-Felt Want . . . . 258 

Section II. — Seeking Relief . . . ... 260 

Section III. — Edifying "Plagiarism" ,. . . . 262 

Section IV. — The "Long" Story — An Unobjectionable 

and EflFective Call to Attention . . . . 267 

Chapter XXVIII 

THE STORY INSTRUCTION CONSIDERED 
UNDER A SPECIAL FORM 

Section I. — A Selection That Boys Will Follow . 271 
Section II. — Rejected and Accepted .... 275 
Section III. — Under Treatment ..... 276 
Section IV. — Religious Teachings Are Presented Be- 
comingly When They Seem so to the Boys . . 278 
Section V. — A "Reductio ad Absurdum" That Fails . 279 

Chapter XXIX 
ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS 

Section I. — Submit Absenteeism Indirectly to Parental 

Authority 283 

Section II. — Warning Notices; This, the First, Meets 

a Special Difficulty . . . . . . . 285 

Section III. — Warning Notices ; The Following Is the 

Only One That Seems Strictly Indispensable . . 289 

Section IV. — Bringing Matters to a Head . . . 291 

Section V. — Suspensions 293 



Chapter XXX 

THE FINANCIAL QUESTION: ITS EDUCA- 
TIONAL AND DISCIPLINARY SIDE 

Section I. — Dues Helpful to Catholic Training . . 297 

Section II. — An Easy Burden and Its Happy Results 298 

Section III. — Tithes-Gathering 300 

Section IV. — Meeting the Crisis 302 

Section V. — Enforcing the Rule 304 



xxii Contents 

Chapter XXXI 
APOSTOLIC BOOKKEEPING 

Section I. — The Deeds and Omissions of Member- 
ship Recorded 307 

Section II.— Assisting the Markers . . . .308 

Section III.— Handy Reference Pages Ready for the 

Busy Priest 310 

Section IV. — Attendance at Holy Communion Regis- 
tered 314 

Chapter XXXII 
POLITICS 

Section L— Boy Officers : How They Can Prove Help- 
ful 317 

Section II. — The Election: It Can Be Made a Source 

of Moderate, Wholesome Excitement . . . 320 

Section III. — Preparing the Ballot .... 323 

Chapter XXXIII 
THE SOCIETY'S COMMUNION SUNDAY 

Section I. — Supporting One Rule by Means of An- 
other 327 

Section II, — Communicants Who Are Somewhat Ne- 
glectful Tolerated. Influential Leaders for the Move- 
ment Easily Formed 329 

Section III. — "Facere Misericordiam Magis Placet 

Domino Quam Victimae" 331 

Chapter XXXIV 

FIRST COMMUNION FOR STREET BOYS 

Section I. — A Field for the Lay Friends of Youth 334 

Section II. — Small Classes by All Means Preferable 335 

Section III. — Teaching by Way of Friendly Chat . 337 
Section IV. — Suiting Length and Language to the 

Boys 339 

Section V. — Apostolicity a Central Feature . . 341 
Section VI. — The Writer Submits a "First Com- 
munion Chat" Formed on the Above Ideas . . 344 
Section VII. — Doctrinal Matter to Sometimes Undergo 

Further Reduction 345 



Contents 



XXIU 



Appendix 
A FIRST COMMUNION CHAT 

Section I. — The Sign of the Cross .... 349 

Section II.— God the Father 350 

Section III.— God the Son 351 

Section IV.— The Holy Ghost 354 

Section V.— The Catholic Church . . . -357 

Section VI.— The Sacraments 358 

Section VII. — Confession 359 

Section VIII. — Holy Communion 363 

Section IX. — Holy Mass 366 

Section X.— Confirmation 367 

Section XI. — The Sacraments as Outward Signs . 368 
Section XII. — (A) Concerning the Commandments of 

God 370 

(B) Concerning the Commandments of the Church 371 

Section XIII.— Indulgences 373 

Section XIV.— Prayers 373 

Information for Badge Purchasers . . . (Insert) 

A Wooden Rack for Tin Torches . . . .375 

A Few Sports Found Helpful to "Indoor Fun" . . 376 

A "Home- Made" Diploma .... (Insert) 



THE BOY-SAVERS' GUIDE 

CHAPTER I 
AN EFFECTIVE AGENCY 

SECTION I WHAT OUR SCHOOLS CAN NOT DO 

"How shall we care for our boys?" Is by many, 
and doubtless with perfect justice, called "the burn- 
ing question of the hour" ; nevertheless, I submit 
that, while it burns and burns, there is compara- 
tively little light. For proof, witness the fact that 
the warmest and most intelligent friends of the ris- 
ing generation usually seek cure-alls exclusively in 
the Catholic school and the young men's society. 
These two agencies, thus permitted to assume a 
well-meant practical monopoly of parochial en- 
deavor In favor of youth, operate with much cost 
at the start and finish of the juvenile course, while 
between them multitudes of boys fall Into the bot- 
tomless pit. 

Interested persons often ask If religious educa- 
tion Is not safeguard enough for American boys. 
One would almost Imagine that such Inquirers had 
just arrived from some Christian Utopia, pene- 
trated by no knowledge of our matter-of-fact status 
in these United States. For the present, at least, 
how can sufficient saving efficacy be attributed to 
even the above rich source ? As matters now stand, 
the majority of our Catholic lads never attend 
parochial schools at all. To Christian education 
we must offer the due meed of honor, together with 
active support and earnest wishes for its magnificent 



2 An Effective Agency 

further development; but let it meanwhile be re- 
membered that in spiritual as in temporal life, 
juveniles who hunger can not be sustained by the 
food given those whose needs are supplied. 

Moreover, Catholic schools, even were they in 
universal and perfect operation, could never fore- 
stall religious organizations. Such bodies will al- 
ways be in demand for the task of safeguarding 
the school's former pupils, now become working 
boys and transferred from the peaceful, prayerful 
atmosphere of the class-room into the midst of in- 
dustrial turmoil and moral trials. To be sure, early 
Christian training inspires in souls a warm piety 
that protects from the contagion of sin; this early 
training, however, is very far from making im- 
munes. Too often, then, the well-disposed work- 
ing lad, with money jingling in his pocket and pas- 
sion burning in his heart, suffers spiritual ruin from 
lack of the encouragement and guidance which pre- 
served him in school days and which, if at hand, 
would preserve him still. 

We must, besides, bear in mind that, counter- 
acted by a strong social drift toward materialism 
and immorality, early Catholic education on Ameri- 
can soil accomplishes in multitudes of its bene- 
ficiaries practically nothing beyond the very im- 
portant, but necessarily limited work of strengthen- 
ing faith and of thus facilitating a full return to 
God in maturity, old age, or the hour of death. 
The above result, precious as it is, leaves ample 
field for the activity of societies having for their 
aim the formation of genuine Catholic manhood, 
by insuring to the still adolescent heart a warmth of 
religious spirit. Indeed, persons of experience 



What Young Men's Societies Can Not Do 3 

probably share the writer's belief that among even 
such of our unmarried men as have been trained In 
Catholic schools, alarming numbers are of doubt- 
ful regularity In attending Mass; must be coaxed 
for the Easter duty If they make It at all; profess 
little If any Interest In parochial affairs, and are 
more or less disinclined to meet the priest. 

If, then, our boys are to be succored universally 
and adequately In the heat of conflicts now waged 
against piety, morals, and faith It must be by Chris- 
tian societies that follow youth beyond the class- 
room; It must be through the Instrumentality of 
organizations that exert over the products of both 
parochial and public schools a saving, pious Influ- 
ence gratefully familiar to the former, and experi- 
enced far "better late than never" by lads of the 
less favored category. 

SECTION II- 

NOTDO 

It may be safely asserted that of every one hun- 
dred generous souls moved to aid actively our toll- 
ing lads, seventy-five or more, in getting down to 
real work, miss their first object so badly as to 
labor chiefly, or even exclusively, for young men. 
Hence the scorching question, "how shall we help 
our boys?" is too often settled by a chilly conclu- 
sion not to help them at all. 

This divorce of practice from Its directive part- 
ner, theory. Involves a lamentable Indifference to 
the needs of the very period in male life when or- 
ganized assistance can be of most service. It is 
during the teens, especially from fifteen to eighteen, 



4 An Effective Agency 

that all Is really settled. They mark a crisis in 
which passion awakes, habits form, true or false 
bearings are taken for life*s voyage, and the Church 
is accepted either as a ship for mere occasional pas- 
sage at most, or as a permanent bark of safety. 

The young men's society, enrolling only individ- 
uals of ways already determined by the above 
choice, exerts an influence that seems preservative, 
rather than curative or strengthening. Its chief 
function is the negative one of preventing youths 
already, as a matter of fact, devoted or faithful or 
vicious, from lapsing respectively into cold obedi- 
ence, open misconduct, or total depravity ; but radi- 
cal improvement and the resolute adoption of high 
aims will hardly result from an organization that 
deals with the subject only after wage-money, com- 
plete personal liberty, and developed passion have 
fixed his choice of some definite life place on the 
moral scale. If any careless son of Adam is to be 
taken hopefully into the net of earnest Christianity 
and supererogation he must be caught not much 
later than the period of enduring his last pair of 
short pants. 

SECTION III — STERILE AND FERTILE SOILS 
CONTRASTED 

Since, then, young men's societies would not be 
of ideal benefit even if potent to gather in all male 
individuals of eighteen or above, what efficiency 
can be associated with their present inability to ac- 
quire extensive membership at all? No doubt many 
of these bodies make something of a showing; 
nevertheless the great majority of parishes dare not 



Sterile and Fertile Soils Contrasted 5 

undertake them, and when established they rarely, 
if ever, enlist as many as twenty per cent, of the in- 
tended members before passing from a feeble boom 
into premature decline. These facts certainly 
weaken hope that, under present methods anyway, 
such unions will ever influence a very considerable 
number of our youth. 

And if one whose judgment is certainly not at 
fault through want of familiarity with the subject 
may pause to account for this failure, let me at- 
tribute It even less to the ever-conspicuous and 
much-accused financial neglect, restlessness, and 
clique rivalry of adolescence than to certain more 
radical causes lying somewhat beneath the surface. 
First of all, young men already attained to ma- 
turity with no prolonged early training In Church 
societies are, as a class, strongly prejudiced against 
membership In them. Their juvenile choice of 
spiritual ways and means has fallen so far short of 
the highest as to permit an almost Insurmountable 
repugnance to any departure that might seem pious. 

To this must be added a fact that often escapes 
attention. Young men are, in reality, but feebly 
influenced by even very excellent arrays of natural 
attractions. Their indifference, of course, arises 
from no lack of appreciative regard for the sweets 
of life; it is due rather to the multiplicity of diver- 
sions which grown persons can always provide for 
themselves. What with private clubs and peren- 
nial politics, chumshlps and courtships, full control 
of earnings, etc., persons of the older class are 
amply self-sustaining in the matter of recreative oc- 
cupation. To the dismay of inexperienced patrons 
they can easily afford to desert the well-equipped 



6 An Elective Agency 

parochial "rooms" or gymnasium, even after loud 
clamors for these advantages. 

This Independence, hardly realized beforehand 
by adults themselves, grows enormously strong 
when stimulated by the above-mentioned antipathy 
to new church affiliations. Hence, strange as it may 
seem, multitudes of Catholic young men who would 
freely respond should certain amusements be pro- 
vided elsewhere, will studiously shun similar attrac- 
tions when placed in religious surroundings. 

Forced by these considerations to admit that 
senior associations, as they now stand, can not 
reach the rank and file of our young people, let us 
rejoice at the refreshingly contrasted popularity of 
the associations here advocated. Juniors, almost 
to a boy, become easy, willing captives to the me- 
thodical organizer. It is a noon-day fact of uni- 
versal experience, that the young fellows, as yet 
comparatively Innocent and nowise hostile to per- 
sons and things religious, crowd, with childlike 
simplicity and utter disregard for social or race dis- 
tinctions, about attractions of trifling character.^ 
Nearly all the lads in town are enthusiastically 
yours, when once word has spread through work- 
shop, school-room, and alley, that the cherished 
field of every-day romp Is the general rendezvous 
for a grand universal movement heavenwards. 

*It is another blessed trait of boys in their teens that, at 
least for the doings of a popularly conducted society, they 
totally obliterate race lines. The writer, for example, is ex- 
cusably proud of his own cosmopolitan and visibly Catholic 
family. Considered with reference to the parentage of its 
members, it is a composite of Americans, Irish, French, Ger- 
mans, Poles, Italians, Hungarians, and Bohemians, all inter- 
mingling as peacefully and harmoniously as if the Tower of 
Babel had never been planned. 



Can Societies Ambition Better Standing? 7 

As the discerning reader has doubtless under- 
stood, this award of first honors to juvenile associa- 
tions is not prompted by any lack of Interest in 
unions established for the benefit of seniors. On 
the contrary, my ultimate purpose — the formation 
of true Catholic men — needs no repetition; and, 
since boy culture is here advocated only as a means 
toward that all-important end, our subject is not 
deserted, but more fully developed by some consid- 
eration of this further question. 



SECTION IV — CAN SOCIETIES FOR MALE ADULTS 
AMBITION FUTURE BETTER STANDING? 

If only some good angel were to furnish a proc- 
ess by which all workers would be endowed with 
abundant magnetism, the prospects of senior asso- 
ciations would, ipso facto, brighten immeasurably; 
for while the following chapters vehemently deny 
all need of personal drawing influence over boys, 
the writer cheerfully concedes that such influence 
IS perhaps the only permanently efiicacious and far- 
reaching attraction that can be offered to young 
men. However, the above inquiry concerning the 
future of organizations for the older class must be 
made with reference, not to Ideal leaders, but to the 
actual friends of youth taken just as they really 
are and, therefore, possessed of no unusual Innate 
charm. 

With the question thus restricted, the answer is 
conditionally afl^rmative. The youthful adult 
masses can be fairly well gained to pious societies, 
provided a beginning be made with lads in their 
teens, while natural attractions are practically ir- 



8 An Effective Agency 

resistible and the momentous choice of a spiritual 
course is being made. The "young men question" 
of which we hear much is, therefore, merely a 
phase of the "boy question," of which we hear 
far less. Youngsters, easily gathered en masse, 
can be numerously molded into future life-sub- 
jects of senior associations; and the latter, thus 
fed from their natural reservoirs, will acquire a 
life and vigor not obtainable under present con- 
ditions. 

It is by no means my intention, however, to pre- 
sent a roseate view of this matter. The young 
men^s society, to secure permanent numbers in this 
way, must gain them slowly. Owing to the draw- 
backs noted above, viz., ability to make shift with- 
out such material favors as we can offer, the disin- 
tegrating effects of factional strifes and sensitive- 
ness to the worldly cry of "pious pose," most of the 
pioneer graduates of the juvenile body quickly 
make shipwreck of their vocation to that of more 
advanced or adult grade. Of the entire group of 
striplings trained in the boys' association till seven- 
teen or eighteen, perhaps less than thirty per cent, 
will hold to the parochial adult fraternity till 
twenty-one.^ However, this better-disposed mi- 
nority, if gathered steadily, year after year, from a 
large junior organization, will finally become a 
well-filled, influential, and lasting alliance of young 
men. 



^This view is confined to the class (English-speaking) with 
which the writer has been chiefly in touch. While applying, 
of course, to the bulk of American young men, it does not hold 
regarding those {e.g., our German-American coreligionists), 
who enjoy special facilities for organization in religious 
societies. 



Can Societies Ambition Better Standing? 9 

Hence, If workers or successions of workers 
would have adults extensively marshaled under the 
aegis of religion, they must accept the condition 
sine qua non for success, and first attend to the 
boys. Adeo in teneris consuescere multum est. 
Young men are already too old to begin. Let us, 
of course, go on laboring for them generously and 
untiringly; but no longer exclusively nor even 
chiefly and, therefore, fruitlessly. Even economy 
demands reconsideration of the course now gener- 
ally pursued. Discrimination In favor of the older 
grade Is paying an exorbitant price for compara- 
tively trifling gains. It Is building club structures 
which, In their collective annual output, seem suf- 
ficient to furnish a well-developed diocese with 
churches. It Is Idly sinking sums of money that 
would Insure missionary triumphs In heathen na- 
tions. And all this while rejected juvenility, ready 
at ten times less cost to vivify the entire undertak- 
ing, loudly cries, ^^Adolescentulus sum ego et con- 
temptus." 

Is such blind endeavor to continue ? God grant 
that it may not! If the great work of adult or- 
ganizations is to tower, it must be supported — like 
every other extensive moral or material structure 
— ^by solid foundations. Our very highest au- 
thority has vouchsafed to warnlngly confirm the 
common sense dictum, that they build unwisely who 
build on sand. To ignore boys and enroll young 
men is the same blunder that would be made In the 
educational field by abolishing primary schools and 
placing higher training as the sole object of time, 
money, and care. 



lo An Efective Agency 

SECTION V — WHAT THE BOYS' ORGANIZER CAN DO 

He can easily gather neighboring youngsters, 
stranded between the Catholic school (if they ever 
attended one) and the young men's society (should 
they ever join it) , to guide them amidst the tempta- 
tions of city life and during the dangerous transit 
from boyhood to manhood. With this accom- 
plished, if the worker is able to see his clients en- 
rolled in a senior association, so much the better; 
but meanwhile he will have already rendered them 
precious assistance toward gaining the ^'unum 
necessariumJ' 

Opportunities for thus reaching the junior faith- 
ful are exceptionally rich on American soil, where 
our coreligionists are mainly gathered in populous 
centers and consequently within easy call of or- 
ganizers. Indeed, the urban facilities afforded in 
this respect help largely to compensate for the 
moral drawbacks our Catholic citizens suffer 
through an almost complete confinement to city life. 
Verily, then, in our own land especially, the youth- 
ful "white harvest" is not only abundant, but also 
temptingly concentrated. May it please "the Lord 
of the harvest" to send a plenty of stout reapers 
and speedily shall a prodigious fulness of "good 
grain" be gathered into apostolic barns. 

Finding a text in the universal "amen" elicited 
by this prayer, I make bold to submit that Divine 
Providence has already made remote provisions for 
an extensive apostolate. Even now, possible work- 
ers exist in abundance. "Not so," will be answered 
in sincere chorus; "boy gathering belongs only to 
rare individuals fitted therefor by the possession 



What the Boys^ Organizer Can Do ii 

of very special natural gifts." This reply does the 
important service of focusing attention on my im- 
mediate purpose, which is to labor toward silenc- 
ing the cry, ^'special gifts"; that shibboleth of 
groundlessly apprehensive inactivity. 

Therefore, whatever follows shall directly or In- 
directly recommend the work under consideration 
as one which persons of ordinary parts may pru- 
dently undertake. For the sake of defining and 
strengthening this position, let me respectfully put 
it in the form of a thesis, to be supported by some 
immediate considerations. 



CHAPTER II 

THESIS:— BOYS' DIRECTORS ARE NOT 
BORN BUT (SELF) -MADE 

SECTION I — CLEARING THE GROUND 

The title of this chapter by no means holds me 
to the duty of showing that everybody can become 
an organizer of juveniles. First of all, we must 
make due allowance for multitudes of individuals, 
possessing both zeal and intelligence, and, neverthe- 
less, afflicted with this or that exceptional shortcom- 
ing or peculiarity unfitting them for close dealings 
with the young. 

Thus the would-be organizer is clearly disquali- 
fied by partiality or peevishness. Neither can he 
succeed if over-exacting — demanding, for example, 
attendance In Sunday clothes and polished shoes. 
Results are the same if he is evidently smitten with 
admiration for his own flights of sacred oratory. 
When such weaknesses render one, prima facte, in- 
competent, it does not take boys long to informally 
caucus him, and conclude, with coup-de-grace 
agreement, that he is, e.g., a "doode,'* or "fond of 
shootin' off his mouth." 

Moreover, even of the majority free from glar- 
ing and specially embarrassing defects, not all can 
gather boys. Some natural aptitude is certainly 
required ; but sad. Indeed, Is the mistake that would 
so magnify needful qualities as to wholly unman 
an apostolate not a whit, in point of fact, more ex- 



Clearing the Ground 13 

elusive than walks of life daily trodden by multi- 
tudes. 

Clearly enough, the higher pursuits of mankind 
are of two classes, differentiated by matriculation 
on lower and higher grades of undeveloped talent. 
The department incomparably the larger, which in- 
cludes pretty much the entire business and profes- 
sional fields, demands only fair natural ability 
coupled with earnest effort. Thus, many a lawyer 
or editor of ordinary personal resources adapts 
himself to the requirements of his profession 
and wins success simply by faithful, persevering 
application. 

But above this somewhat plebeian school with 
its laurel wreaths for plain industry guided by com- 
mon sense stands the select academy, sacred to 
genius and admitting only the favored few whose 
innate aptitudes are of rare occurrence. Of course 
when this higher temple of human endeavor is to be 
gained, the best of every-day intelligent, tireless 
effort can not replace the talismanic potency of su- 
perior birth advantages. The non-predestined dev- 
otee to music, even though he begins with ordi- 
nary delicacy of ear, touch, and taste, and ends by 
wearing out numberless fiddle strings, can never be- 
come master of the violin. 

Now to which of these classes does the organizer 
of juveniles really belong? To be sure, people do 
not formally rate his work an affair of genius. 
Nevertheless, they usually give equally damaging 
honor, by lifting the work out of ordinary reach. 
Is the boy-saver indeed a rara avis in terris, whose 
exceptional and mysterious charm none may ply un- 
less petted by nature, or is he a plain, ordinarily- 



14 Directors Not Born But (Self) -Made 

gifted individual who, when needed, can spring 
from the common throng? 

This Is a momentous question, since Its answer 
means either spiritual orphanage or religious care 
for thousands and thousands of city boys. Happy 
to hold a view favoring the welfare of these count- 
less precious young souls, I propose to show that 
the organizer of juniors is not, like the unapproach- 
able poet, "born;" but that, In common with sur- 
geons, bankers, merchants, and the like, he is 
"made" by careful development and well-directed 
application of ordinary, fair ability. 

Meanwhile, In declaring that our vocation de- 
mands no more head than is required for a worldly 
pursuit, I am by no means allowing that these two 
departments of endeavor are equally loaded with 
details, nor that they Involve anything like the 
same amount of preparatory training. On the con- 
trary, notwithstanding the difficulties created by 
juvenile weaknesses, one who Is at all competent 
easily learns to organize boys, and this In a laugh- 
ably small fraction of the time he would spend in 
mastering any profession or somewhat extensive 
business. "Boy-gathering" stands to the sufficiently 
fitted but busy man as little more than a sort of 
recreation most helpful to others. To be sure a 
slight amount of work Is Involved, but that seems 
to resolve itself into part of the fun. 

However, readers need not make ready to deny 
any silly assertion to the effect that In this affair 
all men are equal. Here, evidently, as in every 
other business, good and better results must follow 
accordingly as ability is of merely sufficient or very 
superior grade. At the same time lack of the high- 



The Boy-Saver* s First Essential 15 

est possible efficiency will not discourage any one 
zealous enough to undertake the apostolate at all; 
for no person really enters the same unless he 
would work for God, and whoever works for God 
is content to do no more than God will have done. 

We have now cleared the ground for what fol- 
lows in favor of the view that ordinarily gifted 
people can become boy-savers. 

While of course the contention is not one ad- 
mitting of anything like exact demonstration, it 
plausibly claims initial support from the presenta- 
tion of easily-found qualifications, these being con- 
sidered along with glances at the chief difficulties 
of the work. The comparison thereby instituted 
can be trusted to acquire argumentative dignity by 
showing that the commonly occurring qualifications 
described are full of promise to make head against 
whatever difficulties must be met. 

SECTION II — THE BOY-SAVER's FIRST ESSENTIAL — 
INTELLIGENT ZEAL 

It goes without saying that unless moved by gen- 
uine supernatural zeal, no one will actively seek or 
largely promote the spiritual welfare of such as 
are practically thankless for any attentions of the 
kind. Wherefore, adhering to the rule already 
laid down, I simply assume, without at all under- 
taking to prove, that the boy-saver must possess 
this virtue in its essentials. However, a word can 
with consistency be said concerning the need of that 
natural discernment which should guide zeal, a 
quality much less commonly recognized as indis- 
pensable to the organizer of juveniles. 



1 6 Directors Not Born But (Self)-Made 

Of earnest workers free to choose their objects 
of labor, many Injudiciously occupy themselves 
with slight gains even though far greater results 
are clearly within easy reach. Theirs is the motto, 
''Ad gloriam De'i^^ omitting altogether the potent 
word "majorem'^ which really peoples heaven. 
The apostle of this class, while perishing hundreds 
might be succored, often becomes so absorbed in a 
few souls as to closely resemble the mother hen. 
To her the brood is entirely the same be it large or 
small; whether she cares for twenty future barn- 
yard kings and queens or only one drooping chick 
there is exactly the same amount of scratching and 
clucking, the same display of feathers and fuss. 

Now I class with those unfitted to become boys' 
organizers each and every such worthy person of 
short-sighted zeal. He is, perhaps, unable to un- 
derstand the value of the throng of juveniles at all; 
or, if moved to action by a chance view of their 
collective Importance, speedily loses sight of that 
value In the confusion of rags, rudeness, loquacity, 
mendacity, and pugnacity sure to characterize 
gatherings of the clans. 

Our city boys, then, can not be materially aided 
by thoughtless workers gleefully and wholly ab- 
sorbed in watering the few spiritual seedhngs 
that sprout readily. They must depend on help- 
ers of intelligent, wide-awake zeal able to fix 
mind and heart on the inestimably important, even 
if slow and intermittent, moral growth of the 
crowd of "uncontrollables" destined to control 
everything with time. 

It should encourage aspirant workers conscious 
of temper that, with this deep, practical apprecia- 



The Boy-Saver's Second Essential 17 

tion of the cause realized, the patience generally 
attributed to them need not exist by the supposed 
barrelful. Boy culture demands not a holy Job 
but a St. James the Greater; not self-restraint but 
perseverance ; and this quality ever quickens on the 
warm bosom of discriminating zeal. Patience as 
opposed to impulsive outbursts always benefits the 
long-suffering spirit, of course; but its contribution 
to one's influence over lads is really of small account. 
To be sure, a peevish, morose nature can not suc- 
ceed ; but it must not be thought that the director of 
average placidity loses sway, if in emergencies he 
passes a verbis ad verbera, striking out expressively 
and impressively at the nearest of his beloved. 

Intelligent zeal can likewise replace in the leader 
that affection for boys which is commonly thought 
an indispensable stimulus to labor in their behalf. 
One does not really need to like his clients but the 
work that saves them. 



SECTION III — THE BOY-SAVER's SECOND ESSENTIAL 
— SOME DISCIPLINARY SKILL 

A slight examination will show that this require- 
ment, while disqualifying many, admits workers in 
amply sufficient numbers. 

It eschews commonplace coercion, exercised even 
by the armed prison guard, to adopt that indefin- 
able and inexplicable personal authority which wins 
on a minimum of punishment and is ideally applica- 
ble to youth. However, if on the one hand this 
efllciency of the better class is radically a natural 
gift, derivable from neither books nor teachers, 
on the other it is here demanded only in a modest 



1 8 Directors Not Born But (Self)-Made 

degree, that Is, of encouragingly frequent occur- 
rence among those otherwise fitted for the apos- 
tolate. Furthermore, since half of the skill in man- 
aging people, whether young or old, consists in 
watchful anticipation of difficulties, one Is already 
more or less prepared to stand our disciplinary test 
if he is a patron of preventive expedients, such as 
this book endeavors to supply. 

Thus, for example, a director who departs from 
the ordinary practice by insisting on the exclusion 
of children under thirteen, besides securing other 
advantages, thereby protects his pious meetings 
from a plentiful source of misconduct. It is ob- 
vious that in boys' societies of the sort now con- 
templated, religious meetings are practically the en- 
tire test of disciplinary skill. The members will 
not be very frequently gathered in numbers for 
other occasions; and, even so, they can always be 
controlled outside of the church by any one able to 
govern them within. But every month's Increase in 
the average age of any youthful gathering means 
a lower degree on Its thermometer of distraction 
and levity. Hence, to exchange a religious as- 
sembly, registering eleven years, for an older one 
of fifteen, is securing fully one-half of the spontane- 
ous decorum and attention that would be obtained 
by passing from the same childish congregation to 
one made up of young men near their majority. 

Now this far-reaching expedient Is only a speci- 
men of those to be employed for the removal of im- 
pediments to control. It should, therefore, be very 
inspiring to thoughtful directors that In this par- 
ticular apostolic field we are permitted to save our- 
selves by a few dignified moves from disorderly 



More Controllable Than in Schools 19 

elements which, perhaps, could not be well over- 
come In open conflict. 



SECTION IV — BOYS MORE CONTROLLABLE IN PIOUS 
ORGANIZATIONS THAN IN SCHOOLS 

Prospective workers will certainly gain further 
courage by realizing that, for society purposes, un- 
mannered city youngsters are abundantly able to 
compete in deportment with the lads of educational 
institutions. Though it be true that very few ex- 
perienced persons have explained what it is to hold 
a gentle rod over rude urban undergrowth, people 
generally are none the less fully informed as to the 
amount of difliculty to be overcome in managing 
school-boys. Hence, as the two juvenile categories 
are easily comparable, new leaders can measure the 
degree of disciplinary skill required for organiza- 
tion by its pedagogical equivalent already suffi- 
ciently determined. 

The writer has dealt extensively with societies 
composed of material, excellent in the main, but 
darkly shaded with a liberal sprinkling of local 
juvenile rowdydom, and can unhesitatingly declare 
that, during moments sacred to sodality purposes, 
such bodies display an excellence of deportment 
which the average student group may fail to reach. 
To be sure, devotion to the whole truth would un- 
fold ''before and after" doings not in accord with 
the meetings' record, but this fact merely gives en- 
couraging assurance that, with the religious gather- 
ings shortened, brightened, and otherwise safe- 
guarded, juveniles who habitually raise "old Nick" 
in the streets are well able to down him In church. 



20 Directors Not Born But (Self ) -Made 

This ex-aequo or even superior standing claimed 
for free and easy youngsters of all moral shapes 
and sizes in competition with regularly disciplined 
lads averaging a higher social class has such im- 
portance for boy-savers as to justify further effort 
toward establishing its reality. Hence, I would 
show that, from the nature of things, reckless town 
trotters must carry into their assemblies lesser ten- 
dencies to disorder than commonly attach to groups 
of better-reared young students. 

Obviously, it is not to be asserted that our urban 
legions merit the palm of "good citizenship" in 
virtue of any gentler ordinary disposition; on the 
contrary, if transferred to their rivals' educational 
quarters, they might be imagined as leaving noth- 
ing thereof save basement excavations. The street- 
boy contingent is the more orderly of the two par- 
ties, simply because always on the friendliest of re- 
lations with the superior to whom it is subject for 
only brief, interesting, and consequently frictionless 
occasions. No wonder, then, that unruly ward 
rangers are able as law abiders to outdo carefully 
trained school-boys; the latter often smart under 
prolonged operation of rule and its repeated sanc- 
tions, while their appetite for mischief is whetted 
by ever-present opportunities to wreak vengeance 
on supposed wrong-doers in high places. 

If, therefore, fitted for control in the class-room, 
have no fears as to your success in the disciplinary 
management of boys' organizations. It is partly 
in reference to efforts toward securing good conduct 
that I have emphasized the help accruing to natural 
competency from its union with priestly authority. 
To Catholic boys the man of the altar is the liv- 



The Boy-Saver's Last Essential 21 

ing symbol of order; and his demand for that bless- 
ing, when made under circumstances at all favor- 
able, can hardly be made in vain. 



SECTION V- 

A READINESS FOR EXPEDIENTS CONGENIAL 
TO HIS CHARGES 

As our young friends, besides being thoughtless, 
changeable, mischievous, and naturally disinclined 
to religious practices, are usually entirely free in 
the matter of taking up societies, it goes without 
saying that they can not be held unless with sys- 
tematic effort. But I take the further step of as- 
serting that, for success, this needful endeavor must 
in every possible way be planned to fit in with boys' 
likes and dislikes, their playfulness, mental short- 
sightedness, and irreligiosity. 

Youthful training of any description is at its best 
when teachers get down to the level of their dis- 
dples before leading them to climb. On this prin- 
ciple, the kindergarten has opened up an immense 
field in which children are trained without depart- 
ing from childish ways. However, so little of the 
kind is done for organized striplings that too often 
their society, with its weak attractions, excessive 
and dry religious proceedings, multiplied obliga- 
tions and scant protective regulations, seems in- 
tended rather for old people with only one leg out 
of the grave than for agile, slippery Jims to be se- 
cured by none but especially contrived traps. 

To be sure the priest selecting from promising 
expedients does very well in preferring such as are 
most congenial to himself; but for working pur- 



22 Directors Not Born But (Self) -Made 

poses it is one and the same thing whether he is an 
originator of methods or their copyist. An occa- 
sional unfortunate, however, can not act the part 
of either and is thereby disfranchised from the 
apostolate. This person is, e.g., some scholarly 
man likely to be more or less at sea in matters out- 
side of his books. Such a one, if in charge of a 
fraternity, would probably fail to discover the 
points demanding attention, or, if lucky in that re- 
spect, would be wholly at loss what to do ; the real 
difficulty being a consciousness that after descend- 
ing to ways entirely in keeping with the disposition 
of his constituents he would find himself too much 
out of his own element for any action whatever. 

Meanwhile it must be maintained that the in- 
ability here described is by no means so prevalent 
as to make young people friendless. Educated per- 
sons really unable to adapt themselves to measures 
suitable to boys are the impractical minority who 
would be equally embarrassed in attempting the 
management of any ordinary small business. 

SECTION VI — ^A CHEERING WORD 

Foregoing observations have, it is hoped, placed 
directorial possibilities in a duly conservative but 
sufficiently encouraging light. Not all, but very 
many, stand the tests of intelligent zeal, moderate 
disciplinary ability, and a turn for expedients of the 
kind demanded; and, despite dissenting voices to 
be heard in the next chapter, this triple requirement 
is, I trust, accepted by most readers as covering all 
of the essentials for the proposed work. 

However, the preceding a priori argument 



A Cheering Word 23 

ought not to be considered alone. As previously 
hinted, It should be taken conjointly with the meth- 
ods to be considered throughout the rest of these 
writings. The coming exposition of expedients, 
while perhaps here and there of aid to workers al- 
ready In the field, will offer prospectors a set of 
solutions complete for the entirety of problems that 
can arise and will thereby constitute a sort of a pos- 
teriori demonstration that juvenile organizations 
are entirely feasible. 

But, before proceeding further, let me for a few 
moments have the ear of competent but hesitating 
friends In order to answer their reasons for inac- 
tion. 



CHAPTER III 
WHY NOT BEGIN? 

SECTION I— 

AND THEREFORE SHOULD NOT TRY" 

This opening objection describes the position 
taken by unbelievers whom the last chapter has 
failed to convert. To my three essential require- 
ments for the apostolate they Insist on adding a 
fourth — personal drawing power. Now, just as 
one should In all charity love heretics while hating 
heresy, so, with the warmest regard for these critics, 
I can hardly be patient with their slavery to a false 
Idea that hides multitudes of bright talents In sin- 
less napkins. 

Withal, there Is no need of denying that very 
considerable advantage attaches to personal wln- 
someness. Of course, ceteris paribus, the magnetic 
man will gather boys more easily and more Inex- 
pensively than another; but, full admission on this 
point yields no jot or tittle to the sadly mistaken 
view which makes charm of manner essential to 
success. 

The present bold attempt at ousting personal 
magnetism from Its usurped place of honor Is In- 
spired by conviction born of direct experience. The 
writer — willing to make encouraging exhibition of 
his own shortcomings — bears witness that, while 
never at a loss of expedients to triumphantly lead 
hundreds of boys, he nevertheless began, continues, 

34 



''/ Have No Personal Magnetism!* 25 

and must finish without any personal ease In juve- 
nile Intercourse. On the contrary, he confesses to an 
insurmountable stiffness and awkwardness toward 
youngsters In all transactions save those strictly es- 
sential to the operation of his sodality. What then I 
Can anybody be at once, and toward the same 
individuals, consciously Incongenlal and uncon- 
sciously attractive? And If this seems impossible, 
how can It be denied that method accomplishes all 
that is usually ascribed to magnetic influence? 

But the doctrine demanding directors of spell- 
binding power Is subject to new arraignment on 
the score of Its blindness to juvenile nature, ever 
helplessly captivated by any fair supplies of good 
cheer. Find me the miracles of boyish Indepen- 
dence slow to crowd about a personally unattrac- 
tive, but generous, donor of, e.g.^ baseballs, skates, 
and the like! Who are these lads? Where do 
they live ? Assuredly, not In this land of the lovers 
of everything free. 

Some really seem to believe that no one can even 
make a beginning with youngsters unless he lights 
up his audience with a fascinating smile and an 
abundance of chit-chat. How, then, are they gath- 
ered in throngs by the iron-faced candy slot-ma- 
chine that neither smiles nor speaks at all? Nor 
am I a bit concerned, if this comparison suggests 
to more persistent adversaries a further difficulty 
which we shall now hear. 



26 Why Not Begin? 

SECTION II — ''any donor MECHANICALLY 
GATHERS A TRANSIENT CROWD; BUT ONLY 



This view is all the more disastrous to juvenile 
welfare for the reason that, on first consideration, 
it seems amply justified by general experience. Cer- 
tainly, according to the common testimony of man- 
agers, boyish Interest in unions Is almost always 
characterized by startling fluctuations. Attend- 
ance, like tidal water, follows the moonshine of 
earthly vanities. On '^occasions" all of the young- 
sters in town tumble over one another In wave-like 
eagerness for membership, while for routine society 
exercises there is scarcely a lad In sight. 

Hence, observers judge that the best of business- 
like liberality, advertising, and maneuvering can at 
most collect only a temporary crowd; but to hold 
youth permanently! *'Ay, there's the rub !" True, 
no doubt; but even the "rub" can be easily met by 
a competent rubber; and the latter's functions, I 
affirm, are certainly not monopolized by the exceed- 
ingly rare magnetic man. 

It should be judged no sign of weakness, that 
the first part of any answer to the present objection 
carries a conditional prefix, since it Is promised that 
the prefix shall disappear as these pages grow. So 
**If," before laying down the pen, I can show that 
by grading membership, nursing fidelity to rule, 
Improving Instructions while diversifying and 
otherwise popularizing religious meetings, the non- 
fascinating, commonplace worker is able to present 
a society echoing even on Its serious side the divine 
assurance, "my yoke Is sweet and my burden is 



*'Only Magnetic Men Retain the Crowd'' 27 

light," then will it be again possible for me to con- 
fidently cite boy nature in its own behalf. For, 
granted that organization duties thus fall short of 
being decidedly burdensome, juvenile hearts are 
clearly generous enough to accept the same at the 
call of a patron commended only by kindly 
deeds. 

I write this with anything but a disposition to 
overload our younger brethren with compliments 
on the score of their loving responsiveness. In 
fact, the vast majority of profoundly grateful boys 
seem to die young — presumably from excessive 
emotion over the tenderness lavished on their 
cradled innocence. Nevertheless, common observa- 
tion attests that juveniles are far enough removed 
from utter callousness to gather frequently about a 
benefactor, not altogether silly nor radically dis- 
tasteful, and to warm to him at least sufficiently for 
any service free from onerous obligations. 

This encouraging truth constitutes my tonic for 
good will, weak in the knees from lack of personal 
drawing power. Magnetic gifts, which few pos- 
sess, are fully replaced by method, which many can 
easily acquire. Having found ways and means of 
softening your organization on Its repellent side, 
learn the easy art of manipulating juvenile dulcia 
vitae modestly enough to escape the notice of hypo- 
critical cupidity, but sufficiently for the develop- 
ment of some kindly feeling, and your lack of in- 
nate attractiveness will not be felt. 

Budding Intellects have no better last analysis 
of "magnetism" than "handsome Is as handsome 
does" ; which, for an apostolic patron, they may be 
conceived as turning into the scriptural quasi-equiv- 



28 Why Not Begin?. 

alent, "the Lord loves the cheerful giver." Conse- 
quently, our young philosophers freely plight their 
troth to any good angel — no matter how reserved 
— who, while speaking of eternity, actively helps 
boys to the consummation of their supremely im- 
portant temporal destiny, or earthly salvation, to 
be worked out on sportive lines. 

I can not, however, finish without giving the re- 
jected notion a parting thrust, by drawing atten- 
tion to its numerous evident failures in practice. 
When an adult is united with juveniles with per- 
sonal drawing power for bond it is often fair to ask 
this question. Has he magnetized the younger ele- 
ment, or has the younger element magnetized him ? 
Too often, with the latter possibility realized, the 
worker comes to grief either on the rock of par- 
tiality or through such familiarity with all hands 
as proverbially "breeds contempt." 

SECTION III — ''management OF A BOYS' SOCIETY, 
LIKE THAT OF A LARGE SUNDAY-SCHOOL, OC- 
CUPIES PRETTY MUCH ALL OF ONE's 
TIME; IT SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN 
ONLY BY THOSE WHO HAVE 
NOTHING ELSE TO DO" 

Apprehensiveness on the score of time outlay is 
likely to be all the greater, when, as I usually sup- 
pose, there is question of enrolling young persons 
of inferior moral character. Since it is really a dif- 
ficult task to gather even well-reared little Sunday- 
school bench-warmers and keep them in faithful 
attendance, the startled worker plausibly exclaims, 
"What a burden, then, to organize and follow up 



^'Occupies All of One's Time'' 29 

boys of even more advanced years, and of equally 
small acquaintance with religious Influence !" 

Nevertheless, let me, In defense of the cause, re- 
mark that this objection contemplates the juvenile 
association under the very form earnestly repudi- 
ated above. It makes of It an unattractive sort of 
Sunday-school senior-annex to which youngsters are 
committed, nolentes volentes, by combined sacer- 
dotal and parental authority. It has In mind only 
religious meetings so monotonously insipid as to 
shut off nearly all voluntary candidacy and force 
truancy Into extensive play. This false picture tor- 
ments the would-be organizer with outlines of the 
misery Involved in constantly hunting up new mem- 
bers and hunting down old ones. No wonder that, 
being a busy man, he is dismayed by the ambula- 
tory prospect. 

But, on the contrary, such forebodings are by no 
means justified by the fraternity these pages ad- 
vocate; a fraternity so permeated with gospel of "a 
good time" that Its very duties are almost popular, 
and Its actual members have become missionaries 
for the Increase of their own number. Excessive 
emphasis can not be placed on the keynote of this 
situation that under normal conditions boys will 
gather boys. The director who must look up re- 
cruits Is, in fact, hardly competent; and his society, 
being insufficiently attractive to inspire In present 
members the thought of enlisting their companions, 
must be rated a failure. 

Neither will marks for non-attendance give ex- 
tensive occupation In associations of the class here 
advocated. When enrolment Is, as It should be, 
not only spontaneous but by privilege, the task of 



30 J^h Not Begin? 

counting noses at meetings will not be reduced to 
an empty formality necessitating an after-canvass 
of the town by the one In charge. In fact, I depre- 
cate the common practice of coupling announce- 
ments of boys' meetings with appeals from the 
altar, begging of parents to "see that their sons are 
present." The organization is hardly worth having 
unless a majority are desirous of attending whether 
parents so desire or not; and when this most de- 
sirable feeling exists, open anticipation of truancy, 
with publicly-expressed dependence on domestic 
authority as a check to the same, weakens the dom- 
inant spirit of manly loyalty, thereby doing far 
more harm than good. 

In addition to this, any one, by devising a sys- 
tem of printed post-card notices and warnings, 
come-and-see-me calls, etc., can easily arrange to 
stay under his own roof while dealing with desert- 
ers and "drumming them up." Thus, visits to 
homes, no matter how beneficial In themselves, cease 
to be necessary for the maintenance of full ranks and 
the department of attendance, usually considered 
a time consumer, seems almost self-operating. Let 
the labor of caring for the attendance books and ad- 
dressing communications all be done by a bright, 
willing boy secretary, and the director's close super- 
vision of these details, even when hundreds of 
members are carried, need not occupy more than a 
weekly short hour. 



''I Would Not Succeed'* 31 

SECTION IV — "the chances ARE THAT, OWING 
TO A LACK OF LEISURE, MONEY, OR QUALIFI- 
CATIONS, I WOULD NOT SUCCEED. ARE 
THERE NOT ENOUGH FAILURES?" 

Zealous readers afraid to lay hands on the 
plow should consider that In this affair small be- 
ginnings, which ought to be preferred anyway, 
will enable one to make trial not only at Inconsid- 
erable expenditure of time and money but also with 
very gentle tests of personal ability. 

Clearly nothing whatever can be lost by gather- 
ing a mere handful of boys. Should favorable re- 
sults justify further progress, the organizer will be 
able to confirm experimentally my contention that 
the financial difficulty never becomes Insuperable, 
and that the necessary outlay of effort by no means 
grows proportionally with Increase of followers. 

From the standpoint of general expediency 
alone, and aside from any diffidence on the part of 
would-be leaders, it seems really absurd to call in 
all the boys from afar and wide for the christening 
of their society. A juvenile organization freely 
absorbs unsubstantial supplies of youthful change- 
ability, effervescence, and misdoing and therefore 
needs slow growth for the acquirement of syste- 
matic, sturdy activity. In consequence, the more 
auspicious opening Is a very modest one. Avoid 
public announcement and a consequent numerous 
but rapidly vanishing group of charter members. 
Fault could not be found if one should begin, like 
our blessed Lord, with a dozen chosen associates 
and should make himself strong with these before 
venturing to call in the unlucky thirteenth. 



32 Why Not Begin? 

Hasten slowly. When kindness, attractions, and 
brevity of religious exercises shall have once com- 
mended the new society to the little band of first- 
comers, let It expand gradually, under steady main- 
tenance of rule and with the gates of suspension, 
like theater exits, In plain sight. At all times the 
spiritual guide's best attitude — strongly suggestive 
of mundane "bluff" — Is that of dismissing lax mem- 
bers gladly and of accepting new ones with the 
cheerful patience of one already blessed with more 
members than can be easily accommodated. Now 
here is an initial policy which, while most favorable 
to the upbuilding of the society, permits the direc- 
tor to retire at the sacrifice of no large outlay of 
any kind should his unfitness at any time seem 
established. 



SECTION V- 

CHANGE, AND ANYTHING I ESTABLISH WILL 
FAIL FOR WANT OF A SUCCESSOR" 

The fact, underlying this view, that practical 
boy-savers are now sadly lacking, can not be gain- 
said. At present, then, it is a matter of happy 
chance If one of them immediately succeeds an- 
other. Hence, the efficient organizer of to-day Is 
generally condemned to labor with consciousness 
that the local association will, almost inevitably, be- 
come moribund on his withdrawal from its 
direction. 

But, notwithstanding this state of affairs, the ob- 
jection just advanced seems to me the weakest of 
all. It assumes that nothing Is gained by a short- 
lived though otherwise commendable boys' society. 



^^Will Fail for Want of a Successor^' 33 

Is there, then, no gain If only during a few months 
a lot of young fellows are so held as to experience 
a new regard for religion, the sacraments, and 
morality? Early advancement In piety should not 
be likened to a business trip, profitless till a cer- 
tain distance Is traveled, but to a health tour in 
which every mile counts. 

If extensive preliminaries, such as the erection of 
buildings or a prolonged course of preparatory 
study, were necessary before this work could be 
undertaken, few might prudently enroll themselves 
on the active list ; but no real sinking fund in cash, 
labor, or anxiety Is called for. In God's name, 
then, why not begin? Since even in transitu and 
without any annoyance we are able to become good 
Samaritans, giving a breath of life to souls "half 
dead,'* will the favor be refused because none of 
our race can follow, to succor new victims of the 
robber-haunted roadway? Really, when one ex- 
plains inaction by this fear that afterward the work 
will not be sustained, I can not but wonder whether 
the speaker, If a gold seeker, would decline taking 
his burden of yellow treasure from a lucky find un- 
til assured that others were following close behind 
to carry off the rest. 

Neither Is It true, that those established In this 
apostolate must lose occupation by change of resi- 
dence. They can, as a matter of fact, take the 
work with them to their new homes. The boys' 
leader, having adopted a congenial modus operandi, 
is equipped for life and should assume care of the 
young at every halting place on his earthly pil- 
grimage. Removal from city to city need be no 
more to him than change of regiments to a colonel. 



34 ^hy Not Begin? 

Far from making any Othellolike complaint of "oc- 
cupation gone," he has only to summon and Im- 
prove fresh throngs of boys of the new town by 
methods previously acquired and now become easy 
with practice. Thus the experienced and willing 
worker can move about without becoming any the 
less an apostolic fisherman. Having simple, port- 
able tackle constantly at hand, he Is always ready 
for the fish — and the fish are everywhere. 

And now, having pictured the general features 
of the apostolate and having sought for it the fa- 
vorable consideration of the many who are really 
able to join with present laborers, I must support 
the encouraging views thus far advanced by sup- 
plying further proof of the apostolate's practicabil- 
ity. This will be done by describing "from life" 
some of the ways and means through which juniors 
can be gathered, managed, and spiritually im- 
proved. 



CHAPTER IV 
PHILANTHROPY OUTDONE 

SECTION I — HUMANITARIANISM GOOD: RELIGION 
BETTER 

The writer, offering at this point methods for 
attracting youngsters and consequently for occupy- 
ing them during their free time, is well aware that 
by certain critics his coming suggestions will be 
rated Intolerably trivial. Pages devoted to this 
subject but presenting nothing primarily In favor of 
mental nor of physical development, nothing even 
directly In furtherance of natural morality, can 
hardly seem to secular philanthropists other than 
fruitless, undignified, and even childish. Accord- 
ingly, arrival on the field of puerilities Inspires a 
loud reminder that attractions Insignificant in them- 
selves are to be proposed with the highest possible 
aim; It Is that of drawing juveniles to life-long and 
practical profession of the Catholic faith. 

However, the secular patron of youth may by no 
means condemn the above proceeding as If sterile 
of at least the temporal advantages which his own 
purely secular labors bestow. Indeed, In point of 
earthly favors conferred on his fellow-men, the 
strictly religious worker far outdoes the most be- 
nevolent of non-religious philanthropists. This 
truth plainly appears, If we consider the sources of 
happiness here below and contrast the contributions 
made by the twain of endeavorers thereunto. 

35 



36 Philanthropy Outdone 

Corporal well-being, for example, depends on 
temperance and purity. Now, while temperance 
and purity derive only indirect and lesser encour- 
agement from humanitarian gymnasia, fresh-air 
parties, and the like, faith is pre-eminently the 
power through which these virtues can really 
thrive. And, far outclassing the matter of indi- 
vidual health, stands society's absolute necessity of 
preserving such public morality as is essential to 
social existence. But, though it is of the very 
foundation of this morality that family Integrity 
and proprietary rights be made secure, philan- 
thropy can not deal forcibly, nor even intelligently, 
with these supremely Important needs. 

Let us not mistake: Faith — sole champion of 
the marriage bond, sole bulwark against growing 
anarchism — alone guarantees to the modern world 
security for either the social unit, or for possessions 
acquired. Whoever, then, moves some portion of 
the people to religious practice Is, without explicit 
profession of humanltarlanism, a prince among hu- 
manitarians. He, thereby, achieves single-handed 
far more for the morality of the masses — far more, 
consequently, for their physical well-being and for 
their temporal happiness In general — than do 
scores of workers having for object the promotion 
of merely corporal welfare, mental culture, or of 
even such virtues as spring from nature alone, 

SECTION II — STOOPING TO CONQUER 

Wherefore in all earnestness, *'honi soit qui mal 
y pense." This practical friend of youth must 
abound in pristine apostolic "foolishness" shaped to 



Stooping to Conquer 37 

suit juvenile conditions In our twentieth-century 
towns. In other words, he must establish himself 
In subserviency to the uncultivated boyish demand 
for fun to be enjoyed for fun's sake alone. And, If 
only as an earnest of absolute surrender, this adult 
capitulation needs to be confirmed by submissively 
eager attention to diversions which, per se, are Ir- 
redeemably of trifling weight. In this work, maxi- 
mum success awaits the maximus in minimis pa- 
tron who, without sacrifice of due personal bearing, 
goes hand In hand with clients that must be led by 
the hand If led at all. 

Ordinarily, moreover, the genuine organizer can 
not rest content with having contrived merely his 
bare readmlsslon Into the juvenile world, but must 
endeavor to become the leading citizen In this un- 
wealthy commonwealth. Hence, It Is usually part 
of his vocation to provide In great abundance the 
fun-making commodities which, according to junior 
public opinion, make life worth living. To be sure 
success in rendering religious meetings non-burden- 
some, or even just a bit perceptibly attractive, per- 
mits the boy-winner to utilize amusements to a 
lesser extent; nevertheless, to the end of his career 
he will hardly get on without leaning to them with 
the whole-heartedness of one who has planned his 
society fully as much for a good time as for any 
other purpose. 

Furthermore, it Is commonly of the highest im- 
portance to supply Inducements not only In safe 
profusion but also In considerable variety. Beard- 
less pleasure seekers, though less than their el- 
ders, are swayed by divergent preferences; and 
these preferences to be fully satisfied require that 



38 Philanthropy Outdone 

the "elective system" be applied at least to attrac- 
tions. 

SECTION III — STOOPING WITH DIGNITY 

This heading, given place merely as a means of 
laying stress on present views, is really included 
in the last section's title. Clearly the spiritual 
leader of striplings in their teens who really ''stoops 
to conquer" must stoop with dignity. Otherwise 
he would bend, not to conquer, but to be officially 
slain. However, this remark carries no suggestion 
that workers for juveniles will court security in 
loftiness of tone and bearing. On the contrary, 
hardly any would-be boys' apostle finds himself 
more suddenly and everlastingly "out of business" 
than the one who, according to the youngsters, 
"was puttin' on airs." 

Neither are matters improved when the adult 
friend, drifting toward the opposite extreme, falls 
so unreservedly into youthful ways that associated 
juniors account him merely their older "chum." If 
crippled by this radical mistake one will hardly 
obtain, even by means of a cassock, any notable 
amount of salutary influence over boys. Young- 
sters instinctively feel that they can do about as 
well by themselves as with any man who has be- 
come wholly one of themselves. 

Whoever, then, would bend gracefully to ju- 
venile followers must oblige the latter to regard him 
as never anything less than their benignly serious 
superior. In fact, his entire management should 
be shaped into a gentle but emphatic denial of boy- 
ish interest in boyish affairs. Hence, the following 



Favoritism 39 

pages on society attractions everywhere suppose 
that in such matters the spiritual director does lit- 
tle more than plan and inspire, leaving the direct 
superintendence of actualities to representatives 
placed between himself and the youthful throng. It 
will be advantageous if, even in the slightest trans- 
actions of the kind, this policy is maintained: be 
boyish in the things done; never in your way of 
doing. 

Let us suppose, for example, that, by the opera- 
tion of a prize system to be described later, you are 
going to donate a large number of baseballs to 
members of the fraternity. To be sure, there will 
be no really compromising participation in juvenili- 
ties should you personally hand these gifts to their 
new possessors; nevertheless — finical as my prefer- 
ence may first seem — I would advise rather that 
each of the beneficiaries receive from your hands 
a card "good for one baseball," when presented at 
some designated local store. The latter method, 
no less than the former. Is demonstrative of good 
will toward the boys; while, not to speak of an ad- 
ditional advantage to be stated later, it does the 
special service of establishing the giver in a desir- 
able position of aloofness from details of the ju- 
venile business in hand. 



SECTION IV — FAVORITISM 

If the leader ought to guard against any display 
of boyish Interest In the doings of his followers, he 
certainly invokes utter ruin by taking a boyish in- 
terest In his followers themselves. 

Indeed, since juvenile suspicions of favoritism 



40 Philanthropy Outdone 

are easily aroused, the director can hardly afford to 
be known as having, among the members, any spe- 
cial friends at all. Whoever sins in this respect not 
only strips himself of needful "dignity" but, in an- 
other way, sacrifices success. At nearly every step 
the patron's utter impartiality is, to his clients, the 
sole sufficient guarantee that things are done fairly 
and that, consequently, the society is worth having. 
The worker, then, who has been with his boys 
enough to be really known by them should be rec- 
ognized as one who "ain't got no pets"; or, if not 
so reputed, may quite as well quit. 

The priestly organizer, in virtue of his sacred 
character, will secure this requisite "vote of confi- 
dence" more easily than another; nevertheless, in 
common with the secular patron, he must be at 
pains to win and retain it. Fortunately, however, 
downright earnestness in the work is, of itself, the 
strongest recommendation for impartiality; junior 
observers, noting the leader's abundant devotion to 
the body as a whole, are likely to judge therefrom 
that his interest in individuals is entirely subor- 
dinated to the common weal. 



SECTION V IN DEEP WATER 

It must be confessed that in advocating a bear- 
ing toward boys which will permit the priest to 
mingle with them and their doings without ever 
appearing other than their condescending superior, 
I have entered Into a subject capable of indefinite 
development. One would need to don a thinking 
cap of quality and sit thereunder through a minor 
eternity should he aim at directing, in detail, the 



In Deep Water 41 

conduct of organizers who differ much In temper- 
ament, and who work under diverse condi- 
tions. 

However, it seems practicable to venture just a 
little into this important subject by suggesting cer- 
tain precautions which, as it seems, must usually 
though not invariably prove serviceable to each 
and every boys' friend. Hence the following 
"tips." 

Be circumspect as regards repeated appearances 
or frequent extended conversations with indi- 
viduals. As a following chapter will contend, brief 
private interviews are a prime necessity to our apos- 
tolate, but prolonged interviews, by creating sus- 
picions of favoritism, can do great harm. 

Never call a junior, after boy fashion, by only 
his family name. Address him, paternally, as he 
was addressed at his baptism : or, should the Chris- 
tian name be forgotten, ask it of the bearer. 

Be exact in keeping all promises, not merely as 
they have been made, but if possible as they may 
have been understood. Under the influence of 
youthful imaginings anticipation of pulDlIshed fu- 
ture attractions constitutes no small part of their 
charm ; consequently, these latter when once on the 
horizon are of increased power if regarded as "a 
dead sure thing." 

Should you occasionally join with youngsters In 
any amusement contest, do so only with evident 
pleasure at having your opponents win, and, conse- 
quently, with open eagerness to grant them every 
advantage, whether the advantage be claimed or 
overlooked. 

Since party divisions are natural to boys, neu- 



42 Philanthropy Outdone 

trallty regarding these divisions is normal to the 
director. When, therefore, games or other mo- 
mentous events separate the forces into opposing 
camps, attach yourself, if possible, to neither side 
but remain equally interested in the fortunes of 
each. 

Unless really forced by special circumstances, 
never undertake the settlement of disputes. Dis- 
trust even the educational or chivalrous impulse 
that inclines one to champion the cause of young- 
sters who are guileless or weak.^ But the bully! 
Never mind the bully. That disturber can, as a 
rule, be relinquished for treatment to the boys 
themselves. Generally he is soon suppressed by 
either a defensive alliance on the part of the small 
boy victims, or by threatening prospects of "big 
brother" intervention. 

Neither would it seem an unmixed evil should 
the spiritual guide accidentally miss the fisticuff un- 
pleasantness that may happen to grow out of the 
amusement gathering. After all it is when this 
kind of conflict is over that one usually deals with 
the conflict best. 

The import of these suggestions will be readily 
grasped. They are designed to assist the patron in 
surrounding himself with an atmosphere of impar- 
tiality, kindliness, disinterestedness, and tranquil- 
lity. Graced by such environment, he stoops with 
dignity and, stooping, wins respect. 

^I am aware that this view is rank heresy to the good men 
and women who busily gather boys for recreation precisely 
in order to train them in fair and gentle conduct. But, let 
it be repeated, my real object is not to teach natural virtues 
but to implant religion. And religion, once it is implanted, 
abundantly instils all virtues, whether they make for this 
world or for the next. 



An Objection 43 

SECTION VI AN OBJECTION: "RELIGIOUS FEA- 
TURES endangered'* 

Possibly some readers are beginning to fear that 
a church society, organized in accordance with the 
foregoing ideas, may take on such extensive secular 
development as to crowd pious exercises to the wall 
and thus forfeit its religious character. 

The objection is answered by the view that, with 
boys in their teens as good grain to be garnered, 
the husbandman succeeds best by a continuous proc- 
ess of tilling and sowing interspersed with short, 
almost stealthy, harvestings. The main achieve- 
ment is to draw, not a few promising individuals, 
but the entire careless giddy throng within an avow- 
edly religious organization. This accomplished, 
most gratifying spiritual results can not but fol- 
low even though labor for souls seems, at first 
glance, almost lost in the promotion of amusements 
that gain and hold the crowd. Hence, the spiritual 
machinery of a juvenile fraternity Is probably never 
in better operation than when banked and flanked 
with temporalities until, to cursory observers, 
nearly out of sight.^ 

The foregoing view is confirmed by an appeal to 
boy nature. Naturally enough, the sodality con- 
genial to urban undergrowth is one which at first 

^It is a mistake to suppose our utmost can be done against 
early idleness by simply keeping boys physically on the go. 
Over and above that it is feasible, by providing harmless sub- 
ject-matter, to guide and elevate the conversations which idle- 
ness would corrupt and in which wrinkleless gossips, during 
otherwise unoccupied moments, are always engaged. Accord- 
ingly, the abundant varied natural attractions and even some 
of the sacred features of a properly conducted society can 
prove a blessing for juveniles by giving their chat a semi- 
religious tone especially helpful to morality. 



44 Philanthropy Outdone 

and second and several glances appears to make 
no more of church work than do youngsters them- 
selves. Now it Is commonly seen that the average 
modern young Christian, sufficiently faithful but 
at the same time guarded against pious over-exer- 
tion, manages to remember the obligation of hear- 
ing Sunday Mass and is edifyingly impressed with 
the advantage of receiving holy communion, but 
limits his church occupations to these sacred events. 
Once they are over the ''devotee," throwing him- 
self into the local worldly "push," knocks about 
town as carelessly and as obstreperously as any other. 

Now the society that would adapt itself to ju- 
venile hearts must follow suit. It is of necessity a 
union In which the members, holding well enough 
to a weekly evening service and to fixed commu- 
nion days, are mostly busied on delectable secular 
lines. For city sodalities true to boy nature, here 
then is a motto: diluted asceticism and multiplied 
good cheer. 

It follows, of course, that the thoroughgoing or- 
ganization will as a rule move rather noisily. In- 
deed, if the whole truth must be told concerning 
this worthy aggregation recruited from all sorts 
and susceptible in some matters to only light direc- 
tion, let me state that it is but all the more plainly 
enriched with spiritual possibilities when semi- 
occasionally discovered at the verge of a scrape. 



SECTION VII — ANOTHER OBJECTION : — "VENAL 
PRACTICE OF RELIGION WILL RESULT" 

But while the worker, as far as personal sacri- 
fice is concerned, would cheerfully humble himself 



Another Objection 45 

and cater extensively to youthful appetites for fun 
he may, perhaps, hesitate In the Interests of those 
befriended. Possibly he demands of himself 
whether boys whom an array of material Induce- 
ments must coax to the side of religion will not be- 
come merely time-serving Christians and all the 
worse off for having borne the name. 

While some would-be moralists, few and severe, 
may answer this question affirmatively, a favorable 
reply Is received from the mass of young people's 
accredited guides. The latter declare that objec- 
tion can not be reasonably made to the practice of 
coaxing by means of natural attractions provided 
the latter be kept within the measure to merely sug- 
gest and stimulate membership without really buy- 
ing boys up. But the evil of overdoing things can 
not possibly attach to the trifling Inducements of 
these pages which, making no appeal to sordid 
motives, suffice merely to advertise one's society 
among neighboring youngsters and to gently draw 
them thereunto. 

Moreover, In practice, the prudence here advo- 
cated will, perforce, nearly always prevail ; for who- 
ever would slight the golden rule of moderation to 
the extent of working spiritual harm In boys must 
needs pay the penalty from a purse amply endowed 
with the length his head has been denied. 

But here I am going to take the further step of 
affirming that appreciable harm does not result 
even If, on comparatively small Inducements, giddy 
amusement seekers crowd In solely for "the fun 
that's goln'," and of course with the result of soon 
perceiving that attendance under temporal aspects 
pays less than a "living wage." In point of fact, 



46 Philanthropy Outdone 

most of the applicants who thus arrive for play re- 
main to pray. But — and this Is more to my pres- 
ent purpose — the minority who promptly withdraw 
because "there's nuffin' In It," are not really deteri- 
orated by the entire proceeding. 

When through "salaried" church attendance 
young people who are already badly disposed suffer 
further privation of religious spirit, their new loss 
must be attributed not to Incidental but to continu- 
ous participation In pious exercises found distaste- 
ful. It is the weariness of a prolonged hypocritical 
experience that thoroughly alienates from religion; 
but enrolment in a church society, be it ever so mer- 
cenary, can hardly breed spiritual retrogression 
when followed by almost Immediate disappoint- 
ment and withdrawal. 

Clearly, then, praise, not adverse criticism, is 
merited by religious workers for boys who hold out 
natural inducements in prudently measured pro- 
fusion. Our cities swarm with frolicsome but more 
or less careless young Christians; begin with them 
at their play and finish with them at the altar. It 
is a most inspiring fact that, under tactful manip- 
ulation, agencies, intrinsically of trifling value, avail 
to thwart even the demon of Irreliglon and anarchy 
who waits on the maturity of our junior element 
and, with Increasing success, diverts Its energies 
Into iniquitous channels. 

Priests, lay workers, friends of God, one and all 
— which Is the better : boyish piety presently thriv- 
ing under modest showers of fun-promoting favors, 
or an apostate future of bloodshed and blasphemy? 
Which are preferable: baseballs now, helping de- 
votion; or rifle shot later, sustaining anathemas? 



CHAPTER V 
SPREADING THE SALVATION NET 

SECTION I PASTIMES IN THE SHADOW OF THE 

CHURCH 

Natural attractions, even aside from actual 
service as the supports of falth-promoting juvenile 
societies, have power of their own to Instil and in- 
crease juvenile love of the Church; In order to ex- 
ercise this sublime power, attractions demand but 
a single and easily-secured condition: — they need 
only to be closely associated with sacred precincts. 

For, assuredly, the material house of God, 
abounding as it does in sacramental and devotional 
food for the spirit, becomes more homelike to lads 
who have found much amusement, or at least abun- 
dant inspiration and material help for amusement, 
under its very walls. And then, diversions, hejd 
really or figuratively in churchly shadow, secure 
for young Catholics the inestimable gain, that dur- 
ing susceptible years and through the familiarities 
of play time they are placed for all the trials and 
temptations of life on terms of easy approach to 
the priest. It is truly most deplorable that men with 
faith In their hearts often actually shun the pastors 
who are In reality their truest friends. Does not 
experience show that warmth or coldness toward 
the human channels of divine favor powerfully pre- 
disposes souls for or against the very blessings 
these channels convey? There is, then, only too 

47 



48 Spreading the Salvation. Net 

much ground for concern over the spiritual status 
of brethren showing studious and habitual aloof- 
ness from the minister of God. Sadly enough, their 
distance-keeping often bespeaks confirmed indiffer- 
ence to the truths which the priest proclaims, and 
real aversion from the sacraments he offers with 
anointed hands. 

Happy, on the other hand, are adults who, dur- 
ing boyhood days, have become permanently estab- 
lished on a friendly footing with some one clergy- 
man and, through this representative, with all pas- 
tors of souls. Such persons, by their readiness to 
seek needed guidance and spiritual help, are fore- 
armed against evil; they enjoy special, lasting fa- 
cilities for the fulfilment of Catholic duties; or, if 
parted from the practice of their faith, are never 
at heart so far adrift but that they can return with 
ease. 

SECTION II — A BLESSING FOR CITY BOYS 
ESPECIALLY 

To be sure, in many village parishes, links of 
personal friendship between priests and juveniles 
are forged as a natural result of pastoral inter- 
course with the individual members, young and 
old, of a limited flock. Our cities, however, do not 
generally offer such facilities. An American urban 
parish of five thousand souls will usually include 
something like three hundred boys in their teens. 
But certainly no priest, though of ever so much 
zealous activity, dreams it possible, by means of 
the chance interviews occurring in general parochial 
work, to place himself on any intimate footing with 
so large a number. On the other hand, pretty 



A Blessing For City Boys Especially 49 

much all of these juveniles can be easily summoned 
for recreative purposes; and thereupon follows 
the happy result that, through mere earthly amuse- 
ment enjoyed under pastoral auspices, the rompers 
form with their spiritual leader friendships fruit- 
ful in eternal joys. 

Here, then, at merely a preliminary glance, is 
seen in religiously utilized natural attractions a 
power for good, even were these attractions discon- 
nected from all organized work. In practice, of 
course, they are rarely so separated but are almost 
invariably adopted as the underpinning of pious 
societies, through which results that are still richer 
than the above, and. Indeed, of unspeakable value, 
are obtained. Meanwhile it Is refreshing to begin 
by noting how much natural attractions were able 
to accomplish of themselves and even wholly apart 
from the organizations which they popularize and 
fill. 

By all means, then, let the boys be sometimes 
called churchward, not for devotion, but for the 
presents, entertainments, sports, etc., congenial to 
their age and sex. When such occasions create 
playful assemblies the direction of affairs by even- 
tempered young laymen will not leave the. priest — 
the provider of paraphernalia, prizes, and specta- 
tors — any less the soul of all that occurs. Now 
this prominence In proceedings, together with some 
fatherly Interest In results, suffices to place the 
clerical director in the sunshine of youthful fun 
that melts the Ice (it is better melted than broken) ; 
unites gray locks and brown, theology and the Rs, 
a patron **of the cloth" with clients scant of cloth- 
ing. 



50 Spreading the Salvation. Net 

SECTION III — KEEP ORGANIZED JUVENILES BE- 
FORE THE PUBLIC 

But, in wielding natural attractions for the spe- 
cific purpose of supporting his society, the efficient 
worker can not be content with a methodless, hel- 
ter-skelter provision of whatever pleases boys. By 
the tactful and methodical manipulation of induce- 
ments one adds wonderfully to their influence. 

In this connection let me remark that natural at- 
tractions are chiefly the instruments by which we 
can secure a vital, though oft-disregarded feature 
of successful boys* unions — secular display. The 
two last words name a policy by which our lively 
younger brethren are enabled to appear before the 
public — by parades, badges, athletics, and what not 
— with such prominence and frequency as to fully 
awaken the pride they so easily conceive for what- 
ever is their own. If masculine juvenility is any- 
thing, it is hopelessly boastful, or, in boyish phrase- 
ology, fond of "blowin' its own horn." For good- 
ness* sake, then, let us turn this incurable weakness 
to account by encouraging youngsters to ''blow" 
themselves well along on the road from earth to a 
happy eternity I 

When a junior association is thus able to make 
some local stir, its first gain is attractiveness of a 
new and higher order. Many youngsters in their 
teens, who perhaps could never be won by the lit- 
tle inducements offered, will respectfully apply for 
admission into the body that to them seems of local 
prominence. Even careless parents are frequently 
so influenced by the sodality's public activity that 
although personally neglectful of church affairs 



A Greater Advantage 51 

they watchfully insist that their sons shall join the 
same and faithfully take part in all proceedings, 
whether of secular or religious cast. Indeed, the 
organization, so conducted as to gain some public 
notice, can rapidly attain to a sort of universality, 
and certainly, if once accepted by half of the lads 
of the locality, it has excellent hope of soon ab- 
sorbing, practically, the other half. 

SECTION IV — A GREATER ADVANTAGE 

A second and still more valuable gain resulting 
from seeming secular prominence is a vast increase 
of that salutary influence which the organization 
should bring to bear on its members. The society 
that timorously nestles at the sanctuary strikes the 
average boy-observer as being weak and, at most, 
only piously ornamental. To his way of thinking It 
lacks energy and power of command. Let the fra- 
ternity, however, move abroad to don the honors 
of athletics, military drill, etc., and at once its 
worldly position inspires, In the unreflecting juve- 
nile mind, far higher conceptions of inherent spirit- 
ual authority. 

For this reason, after our young friends are 
actually enrolled, there is a world of difference be- 
tween their scant submission to an organization 
hidden away In the church and the dutiful obedi- 
ence they pay to one that Is ever in public operation 
and, as the youngsters think, the talk of the town. 
Thus, for example, the total abstinence pledge. If 
justified by local circumstances. Is likely to prove 
something of a failure or a fair success accordingly 
as the union adopting the pledge Is of retiringly re- 



§2 Spreading the Salvation Net 

liglous character, or in the enjoyment of an exten- 
sively developed secular side. Under the first of 
these conditions, the renunciation of intoxicants 
may figure as merely a sort of playfully pious promT 
ise made before nobody in particular and soon to 
be forgotten; but in the second instance it usually 
takes on the gravity of a quasi-vow solemnly ac- 
cepted by a visible authority forever asserting itself 
in the chief undertakings of life that occupy the 
local juvenile mind. 

The same is to be repeated concerning every 
other effort put forth for the advancement of re- 
ligion and morality in the common run of boys; 
success is always in great measure dependent on the 
idea entertained by the members of their society's 
secular standing. Exhortations, say in favor of 
frequent communion or of better attendance at re- 
ligious meetings, be they, per se, ever so much dis- 
connected from worldly things, will strike home 
all the more forcibly if delivered immediately after, 
e.g., a thronged and rousingly successful public 
field-day. 



SECTION V — A STANDARD CATHOLIC ARGUMENT 
APPLIED 

When a juvenile church society has achieved sec- 
ular prominence, the members reap spiritual profit, 
not only through Its religious mechanism, but also 
from even the bare fact of keeping their names on 
its roll. This assertion is supported by an applica- 
tion of the unanswerable argument advanced in 
favor of Christian education. 

While making tremendous sacrifice for the erec- 



A Standard Catholic Argument Applied 53 

tion and maintenance of Catholic schools, we are 
constantly explaining that these institutions are 
cherished, not so much for their attention to 
catechetical instruction, which with less effort might 
perhaps be fairly well imparted in Sunday-schools, 
etc., as for their unique efficiency in making re- 
ligion duly prominent before minds that are being 
opened by intellectual application. Christian edu- 
cation, therefore, is shown to rest chiefly on the 
principle that pupils, by finding religion always in 
the lead, will become more respectful, loving, and 
obedient children of Mother Church. Its strong- 
est support is the view that young people secure 
unspeakable spiritual gain when God's cause is ever 
presented to them installed in its true place; i.e., 
dominating, not only class practices and the seem- 
ingly authoritative convictions of teachers, but, 
also, and more especially, the grand vistas of life 
opened up by the secular studies themselves. 

Now, the utilization of juvenile diversions, as 
here proposed, is but a special application of this 
same venerable educational principle. Since young 
people conceive increased reverence for the Gospel, 
found paramount at school, assuredly they must 
profit anew, albeit in lesser degree, when to their 
minds the Gospel, represented by their own society, 
looms up amidst the live affairs of the locality. 

These considerations, then, assure us that young 
people who find their pious association accepted 
for conversation at home, in school, and at the work- 
shop will thereby gain in loyalty to the association's 
call and in docility to its influence, while becoming 
manlier, more outspoken, and more faithful sons of 
Mother Church. 



54 Spreading the Salvation Net 

SECTION VI — NEWSPAPERS AND SHOW WINDOWS 
HELPFUL 

The necessity of publishing the fraternity's do- 
ings directs our attention to the efficient, and usu- 
ally available advertising agencies just mentioned. 
Outside of the largest of our cities most editors 
readily open their columns to the affairs of a live 
juvenile body; though, to be sure, it is chiefly in 
the smaller places that such items, like other minor 
local affairs, are accorded any considerable prom- 
inence and space. This newspaper readiness in fa- 
vor of boys is after all no more than might, as a 
matter of commutative justice, be expected; for, 
everywhere and always, tireless treble vocalists are 
the stanchest of business friends to the ephemeral 
printed page. Let the director by all means secure 
for his work whatever journalistic help is obtain- 
able. From an administrative standpoint the re- 
porter's pencil is valuable as establishing very ef- 
fectively a sort of bulletin by which members — 
sometimes personally, oftener perhaps through 
their elders — come to know, e.g.^ of meet- 
ings resumed or of approaching communion 



Moreover, the reporter's descriptions of society 
doings while of profit to the members at large are 
especially beneficial to boys who may appear by 
name. Finding one's juvenile self for the first 
time in print is quite an event in early life; and 
events important to youth, if only connected with 
church affairs, assist religion to make deeper im- 
press on the budding mind. 

Then, again, the youngster who has climbed some 



Newspapers and Show Windows Helpful 55 

distance up the steep way of righteousness Is less In 
danger of retracing steps that have left quasl-indell- 
ble marks In printer's Ink. When Johnnie has re- 
ceived his diploma, it is important that all the 
world should be told thereof in black and white; 
for the larger the audience before which Johnnie 
has thus promised well-doing the stronger our hope 
that he will always do well. 

And, finally, let me apply to this matter the 
view, regarding secular display, which dominates 
the present chapter. Since the boys' society which 
contrives to secure something of a place before the 
community gains thereby stronger hold on the 
members, it is certainly worth remembering that 
the society can not be better exploited than through 
the typographical herald which penetrates every 
nook and corner of the town. Much, then, is 
gained by rushing our young friends Into print at 
every event, religious or secular, connected with 
their society life. 

Additional excellent advertisement for the fra- 
ternity is obtainable through the show windows of 
stores. It is well to exhibit. In these booths of the 
town's permanent bazaar, any material objects — 
photographs, specimen-diplomas, bicycles or other 
special prizes, etc. — illustrative of what is being 
done. 

Possibly this suggestion excites on the part of 
some grave friends a smile of Incredulous surprise. 
The doubters, unaccustomed to give personal atten- 
tion to store displays, judge from their own in- 
difference that such displays are generally over- 
looked. Merchants, however, who are the parties 
chiefly interested, hold a contrary view and con- 



56 Spreading the Salvation Net 

firm the same by expending on show windows sums 
that are surprisingly large. 

Accordingly, these free exhibits can be trusted to 
materially help toward keeping the society before 
the general public. Moreover, the members them- 
selves will not fail to take profitable surveys of any 
of the society's belongings that store fronts happen 
to display. Indeed, the average boy is seen to have 
quite a liking for show windows — especially while 
giving his jaded bundle needed rest, or regaining 
breath on the way to school. 



CHAPTER VI 
GIFTS 

SECTION I "bEATIUS EST MAGIS DARE" 

When planning material favors, one may with 
full confidence adopt that of showering little pres- 
ents on his entourage. Let the patron but make 
himself known as a person from whom junior 
neighbors can have something for nothing and at 
once he will unfailingly be In great demand. 

It should be noted, furthermore, that there is 
more administrative ease in presentations than at- 
taches to inducements offered In any other shape. 
Success regarding these benefactions. Independent 
as It Is of the weather, assistance of subordinates, 
etc., remains always within the director's unaided 
reach. To be sure, gifts demand for their very ex- 
istence some little financial competency; but, with 
that essential preliminary secured, they pass with 
such rapidity and precision from the hand of the 
giver to the expectant palms of his followers as to 
almost seem self-distributing. 

Moreover, the helpfulness of this feature Is by 
no means restricted to its Influence In filling the 
ranks. Naturally, donations will ever be of a kind 
to occupy the recipients and to thereby help free 
them from mischief's grasp. Skates, for example, 
by drawing a youth from idle winter quarters to 
romps on the ice, often enable him to substitute 
bodily slips and falls for those of a spiritual nature. 

57 



58 Gifts 

And even the dreaded juvenile pocket-knife, un- 
friendly as it Is to material things round about, has 
the compensatory virtue of frequently diverting a 
boy's destructive energies from his own higher self. 

But, after all, the best of material life-preservers 
for souls are those which, by occupying all hands, 
save from mischief not merely a single imperilled 
lad, but his companions besides. In this respect 
baseball goods, as well as footballs, are exception- 
ally valuable. Any one of these articles, until 
pounded beyond recognition, becomes a daily sum- 
mons for everybody to engage In active play, not 
to mention a further call to oust or defend the um- 
pire with discussion of his alleged sins. 

The bicycle, of course, affords Its juvenile owner 
special protection. Mounted on his "silent steed," 
any tyro rider can easily outdistance even the evil 
one. Pity that, owing to Its comparative expense, 
the wheel must figure as being at most only an ex- 
ceptional boon ! And yet the one or more machines 
that you may be able to donate annually can have, 
on each of your hopefuls, at least the effect of set- 
ting him day-dreaming beforehand of his coming 
(?) bicycle-ownership. This is already a gain, for 
assuredly boys day-dream, and only too often of 
things much less to their advantage. 

Moral protection, more than might first be 
thought, goes with mere spectatorship at shows and 
public games. Provide a lad with a ticket admit- 
ting to the field of baseball or athletics and he Is 
safe enough for at least an afternoon. But an- 
other, and even richer, result follows : It Is contribu- 
tory to the work already advocated, of purifying 
youthful conversations. This favored inspector of 



Boyish Ideas Should Direct Distributions 59 

wondrous doings, returning from his observation 
heights on the "bleachers" to associate with chums 
whose best have been but fence-hole glimpses, is be- 
come a fully recognized authority on the events of 
the day. Your baseball ticket will, then, have cre- 
ated an enthusiastic young reporter, who for some 
little time can be trusted to guide street-corner gos- 
sip clear of the channels of sin. 

Aside, then, from their recruiting efficiency gifts 
serve as antidotes to temptation and of course, 
when somewhat generously supplied, accomplish 
that service on quite a large scale. Accordingly, 
if one is a believer in the gospel of spiritual safety 
derived from innocent occupation, his faith may 
very easily inspire the good work of bidding for 
juvenile favor by ample donations of material 
means for juvenile sports. 

SECTION II BOYISH IDEAS SHOULD DIRECT PRIZE 

DISTRIBUTIONS 

Let us now adopt an ultra-practical turn, and 
consider the work of actually placing favors. A 
first question that arises is this : — How can the fra- 
ternity's windfalls be satisfactorily scattered among 
a clamorous multitude of would-be recipients ? The 
query Is answerable by only a choice between two 
methods. Articles mustbe either distributed by lot, or 
else presented in equal shares to all the boys In turn. 

But the latter system will, I believe. Invariably 
prove a failure. Attempts at providing evenly for 
everybody are likely to breed discontent among lads 
belonging to a class well represented In all ages and 
conditions of life. They are individuals who can 
never receive as much as will free them from the 



6o Gifts 

fancy that others are receiving more. To this 
drawback must be added a still greater one; it is, 
that, to young gentlemen in their teens, a mere turn 
about reception of little donations, identical in kind 
or value, would seem very tame and the proper 
thing for only goody-goody little children. 

Clearly, then, the better method of distributing 
things is by the conspicuously Impartial and suf- 
ficiently exciting ''raffle," which, as constant toss- 
ups in juvenile circles show, is the boys' own. 
'Trizes" delivered by this process go very far; they 
bestow, in advance, a thrill of ownership on nearly 
every lad concerned. This desirable result Is due 
to a sanguine confidence which warms the average 
boy and moves him to appropriate, by anticipation, 
everything that has the slightest chance of ever 
reaching his hands. 

If, for example, to each of three hundred lads 
you are going to simply give one baseball, every 
client calmly feels himself about to be favored by 
just that one little benefaction, and nothing more. 
But if you will place before the three hundred fol- 
lowers only fifty baseballs, to be distributed accord- 
ing to the whims of Dame Fortune, a very differ- 
ent vision arises before each. Then everybody be- 
comes, so to speak, the prospective sole owner of 
pretty much the entire fifty prizes, and, as such, 
finds it really hard to contain himself. 

Moreover, Interest in any prize of considerable 
value, such as a bicycle, can be grandly spun out by 
issuing numerous checks as lottery chances on the 
article In question. Obviously, these checks will 
themselves serve as prizes, and can be distributed 
on successive occasions to lucky members. But care 



An *' Unearned Increment" 6i 

must be taken, of course, that the checks attaching 
to any one article be not so multiplied as to become 
of depreciated worth. Thus, on a gift valued at 
twenty-five dollars, I would issue not more than 
two hundred and fifty checks, each of which will 
then retain the market value of one dime. 

So by all means let our young friends have their 
''raffle"; in a matter of this kind, whatever modus 
agendi suits them and works no moral harm is one 
with which the rest of the world should try to be 
content. 

SECTION III — AN "unearned INCREMENT^ IN 
THE JUNIOR COMMONWEALTH 

It ought, however, to be taken into account that 
with gifts gomg by lot, some drawers, even with- 
out for a moment doubting the fairness of proceed- 
ings, will probably become disgruntled. They are 
individuals who are luckless and of too narrow a 
caliber to bear cheerfully the contrast of their own 
empty-handed misery with the shining affluence of 
conspicuously fortunate companions. 

The sayings and doings of these youngsters 
might sometimes fill quite a teapot with echoes of 
the tempest raised by many of our moneyless 
would-be rich against those who live in plenty. Oc- 
casionally, jealousy will move the ill-starred mal- 
contents to renounce membership altogether. If 
so, I would prefer to suffer their loss rather than 
adopt the only remedial measure applicable to the 
case. This cure, much more hurtful than the dis- 
ease, would consist in limiting the number of arti- 
cles that any member may win. Now, in the boys' 
society, more easily even than in human society at 



62 Gifts 

large, disaster may follow from restrictions on the 
accumulation by individuals of earthly goods. 

Not to mention other threatening unhappy re- 
sults, some lads, on acquiring the legalized amount 
of wealth, would, if only for the fun of the thing, 
immediately withdraw from the ranks. Many a 
young fellow, with more sense of humor than of 
proprieties, is able to find great sport in posing as 
one who has quit the fraternity after having 
"worked it for all it was worth." Now it is un- 
fortunate but true that a single practical joker who, 
by this or any other means, draws the laugh on the 
organization can thereby do the latter great 
harm. Boys, like other mortals, do not thoroughly 
respect anything that lies open to ridicule ; and, un- 
hke some older mortals, they will hardly hold to 
what they do not really respect. 

Hence, in this and In every other detail, I would 
endure some pounds of complaint rather than an 
ounce of ridicule. It is better to suffer the deser- 
tion of several Ill-tempered lads, who really dignify 
the organization by making It worthy of their ire, 
than to give even one lively youngster the chance 
of making jest at the society's sore expense. 

SECTION IV V^^HEN SHOULD WINDFALLS BE DIS- 
TRIBUTED? WITH WHAT ASSISTANCE? 
HOW OFTEN? 

Since gift-making should, like every other ma- 
terial favor, be directed to the encouragement of 
the society's religious meetings and other pious do- 
ings, presents are as a rule best applied not In va- 
cation time, but during the season in which religious 
assemblies are held. 



When Should Windfalls Be Distributed? 63 

Moreover, absens heres non erit. It will usually 
be found necessary to award under the ruling that 
chances for "prizes" go only to members who are 
faithful in attendance at spiritual exercises. I 
would, however, recommend a liberal interpreta- 
tion of this law : if the young Christian, after much 
absence, has been present at only the last religious 
evening session he should be judged ^'faithful" as 
regards the matter now in view.^ 

This arrangement, while really linking little 
earthly benefactions with devout doings, by no 
means implies that the former should have any ex- 
tensive material connection with the latter. Quite 
the reverse. Gifts ought never be allowed to appear 
at pious gatherings, nor should they, more than is 
strictly necessary, be even mentioned therein. 

The drawing of "prizes," if held in the pres- 
ence of many boys, can hardly be conducted in an 
orderly manner; for this reason, in societies that 
are at all large, the proceeding should, as a rule, 
occur in quasi-privacy. But, here, we encounter a 
new difficulty. Distributions conducted behind 
closed doors can easily beget in the minds of un- 
successful members a suspicion that things are 
really going, not by chance and promiscuously to 
the crowd, but through secret, devious arrange- 
ment to a favored few. 

Now, the only effectual check that can be placed 
on this suspicion is the director's reputation for im- 
partiality which has been considered on a forward 

^Readers must not imagine, from this concession, that the 
writer at all surrenders to the difficulty found in securing a 
fair attendance of juveniles at their religious meetings. On 
the contrary, very cheering views on this subject are advanced 
further on. 



64 Gifts 

page. But, since the leader's good name for fair- 
ness is here put to the severest test, I would counsel 
him to never let the drawings occur in absolute 
privacy, and to give them in their beginnings some 
approach to publicity. He can, at first, invite a 
manageable few of his followers to be present at 
the "raffle," the workings of which they are asked 
to explain to the rest. Later, with absolute confi- 
dence established, he will naturally limit the ordi- 
nary witnesses to the two or three chief helpers 
commonly associated with himself in caring for the 
society's affairs. Timed by the above considera- 
tions, drawings will usually occur most conven- 
iently just after the adjournment of religious meet- 
ings; for these meetings supply both the attendance 
data on which distributions are to be based, and 
the presence of the officers with whose assistance the 
distributions are to be made. 

And, supposing that one enjoys means wherewith 
to offer prizes freely, how often should they ap- 
pear on the society's program? This question re- 
ceives some sort of an answer through the warning 
that gift distributions, since tbey more easily than 
other attractions take on appearance of purchasing 
membership, should not be overdone. And while it 
is impossible to fix their due limit of operation with 
precision, we may safely conclude that prize affairs 
should be held, at most, less than half as often as 
the religious meetings which prizes are designed to 
support. 

SECTION V — RAPID DRAWINGS 

When several objects are to be distributed 
among a considerable number of lads, their allot- 



Rapid Drawings 65 

ment simple as It first appears can, if awkwardly 
planned, become quite a task; and the writer, a 
former victim to this uncalled-for labor, would lift 
Its burden from others. Besides, a leading purpose 
of the present undertaking Is to show that the care 
of boys need not demand any great expenditure of 
time. Hence, even such a small affair as a three- 
minute process for "raffling" gifts is consistently 
proposed. 

The only Instruments required for this proceed- 
ing are the books that record attendance at religious 
meetings. They are used as follows: Begin by 
choosing (by lot, of course, and by means of the at- 
tendance books), from among all the members 
marked present at the last meeting, one lucky fel- 
low who will be the first winner and whose name, 
as will be seen a little later, Is to serve as starting 
point In the determination of the rest of the win- 
ners. This pioneer prize-taker will be chosen by 
the three drawings now to be explained. 

First Drawing. — From the entire collection of 
attendance books a single book is taken. This 
"lucky" record Indicates several pews (or benches) , 
which are then subjected to the 

Second Drawing. — From the above pews (those 
indicated by the "lucky" book) a single pew Is 
chosen. This, the "lucky," pew Is found to be oc- 
cupied, let us suppose, by several hopefuls marked 
present at the last meeting; the same lads are next 
submitted to the 

Third Drawing. — From the above members 
(having places In the "lucky" pew and, besides, 
marked present at the last meeting) a single mem- 
ber is picked out. 



66 Gifts 

This "lucky" youth becomes the first prize-win- 
ner, on whose cardinal name the rest of the dis- 
tribution is to depend. 

Now since this opening choice, which is to deter- 
mine the rest, has been made by chance, our next and 
final move, though of itself wholly apart from lot- 
tery methods, will be none the less under the tute- 
lage of chance. This step consists of accepting, as 
additional winners, boys marked "present" at the 
last gathering and whose names follow in the books 
that of the lucky pioneer just found. 

However, while this is being done, care must be 
taken that the largesses be scattered with some 
evenness over the entire assembly of members, and 
not confined, with a suggestion of favoritism, to 
some one group, i.e., to a set of chaps named con- 
jointly in the attendance record and consequently 
seated together in a particular corner of the church 
or other place of meeting. For the purpose of ob- 
viating this mishap, have it fully understood before 
the lottery begins that plums will fall to qualified 
lads, not just as their names stand in unbroken suc- 
cession to the name of the pioneer winner, but with 
skips determined in advance; e.g., to every fifth 
qualified lad following the pioneer. 

In determining the number of otherwise eligible 
names to be passed at each of these skips, one will, 
of course, take into account both the quantity of 
gifts to be assigned and the total of members en- 
titled to draw. It is by comparing these data that 
the leader so calculates as to scatter his prizes here 
and there over the entire collection of possible re- 
cipients. If, for example, twenty "prizes" are to 
be distributed among two hundred youngsters com- 



Final Proceedings 67 

mended by faithful attendance, every tenth name 
following that of the first prize-taker should be ac- 
cepted as that of a winner. Were only ten prizes 
to be placed with the same two hundred lads, every 
twentieth would be made a recipient, and so on. 

And, while sufficiently diffusing the fall of so- 
dality manna, this arrangement amply fulfils, be- 
sides, the promise made for it of permitting the 
manna to be showered quickly. Not more than a 
minute or so is demanded for the discovery of the 
first winner and, once that happily-starred indi- 
vidual is found, the other recipients are determined 
just as fast as their names can be read and copied. 

SECTION VI — FINAL PROCEEDINGS 

When all of fortune^s new favorites are known, 
it becomes necessary to send them word of their 
good luck. This Is best done by means of printed 
post-card forms, which the secretaries fill out and 
address. Blanks somewhat like the following may 
be found useful. 



{NAME OF THE SOCIETY,) {NAME OP THE TOWN.) 

Dear Friend: 

Please call at the Priests' House and 

receive a It can be given to 

no one but yourself. The best time for calls Is 7.15 P,M, 

^ Wear your badge and present this card. SECRETAR Y, » 



*In making up blank notices it is quite as well to place the 



68 Gifts 

The efficacy of donations to bring about desir- 
able personal Interviews with our junior friends is 
emphasized by the fact that the recipient Is usually 
so obliging as to arrive, not alone, but attended by 
his chums. This accompaniment results from the 
modified socialism prevailing In juvenile circles, 
whereby whatever falls to an individual Is eagerly 
claimed by his "crowd.'^ Accordingly, while bait- 
ing with gifts, the apostolic angler is in unheard 
of advantage over others of the craft; he can bring 
up several fish at a bite. 

On a foregoing page I have proposed as con- 
tributory to the patron's proper standing that when 
visited by prize-winners he deliver to his callers, 
not the objects won, but certificates for the same 
to be honored at some business place where, of 
course, necessary arrangements have been made be- 
forehand. This plan now deserves further rec- 
ommendation based on the following reasons. It 
consults the director's convenience; sodality pres- 
ents (baseball bats, for example) are sometimes a 
little bulky for ease In either storage or handling. 
And then there Is an economical consideration; to 
a boy claimant the prize seems all the more satisfac- 
tory when received at a flourishing store. There 
along with the passage of a single article from the 
well-stocked shelves into his hands, he experiences 
the pleasing fancy that all of the other articles on 
the shelves are likely to follow suit. 

Lastly we can here apply earlier views concern- 
ing the advantages of making all possible public 

word "secretary" instead of the usual arrangements for the 
secretary's signature. That functionary soon tires of the glory 
of attaching his name to society matter when the same is of a 
kind to multiply indefinitely. 



Utilizing Pious Articles 69 

display of society doings. The prize-winner, find- 
ing that his certificate obtains prompt recognition 
and attention from the management of some much 
advertised and patronized commercial establish- 
ment, is thereby warmed to his seemingly influential 
fraternity. Accordingly, as the curtain drops on our 
happy young friend we will gladly note that, while 
the society's gift strains his pocket, society pride 
swells his heart. 



SECTION VII— UTILIZING PIOUS ARTICLES 

It would of course be a most happy circumstance 
if the gifts bestowed in order to promote the growth 
of the society could consist largely of pious arti- 
cles, especially beads and scapulars, serviceable for 
the practice of religion; unfortunately, however, 
such objects, if of httle material value, appeal to the 
common run of boys only at their better moments 
and with no marked force even then. 

But the inability of the products of the Catholic 
sales counter to do much toward the enlargement 
of the organization does not prevent them, with 
proper manipulation, from accomplishing a great 
deal for those who are already members. This 
laudable purpose will be gained, for Instance, by a 
general distribution of scapulars (enrolments be- 
ing made if necessary) opportunely occurring at 
the opening of the swimming season. Neptune's 
Catholic young friends are one and all willing 
enough to have the Blessed Virgin on their side. 
However, apart from the foregoing and kindred 
special occasions, all around presentations of pious 
articles would seem somewhat hazardous as afford- 



70 Gifts 

ing a number of the Intended recipients an op- 
portunity for parading their indifference to the 
gift. 

Sensitiveness to this result may suggest that such 
objects be simply held in readiness for free delivery 
on call. But here again human nature is able to 
create an impediment. Nearly every youngster 
finds considerable repugnance to making a direct 
request for anything receivable gratis, nor is he 
wholly relieved by the fact that the article sought 
for is announced to be given away to all petitioners ; 
it is exactly the making of the petition that causes 
embarrassment. Were the visitor calling simply to 
receive something already declared his own by no 
matter what title, the case would be different. To 
be sure, when goods in the temporal order are of- 
fered this reluctance is triumphantly routed; but 
let us not imagine that unfailing readiness to con- 
quer self for one's own gain in this world is going 
to be matched by equal violence to self for one's 
own gain in the faraway world to come. 

For the reason just explained, I would usually 
encourage the acquirement of religious materials, 
not by holding them as gifts, but by placing their 
distribution on something of a business basis. The 
plan requires arrangements with some conveniently 
located storekeeper from whom the members, on 
presenting a card, can have at least a pair of beads 
or brown scapulars at, say, half price. Whenever 
this way of doing may be tried it will be seen, I 
believe, that the above helps to holiness reach 
the intended hands much more freely through 
^'bargain" purchases than by out and out dona- 
tions. 



Utilizing Pious Articles 71 

Moreover, traffic being restricted in this instance 
to pious articles demanding sua natura honest 
handling, the youthful buyers can be trusted to act 
on the understanding that the reduced cost is in 
favor of themselves alone, and not to promote sales 
to other parties whom the buyers might approach 
with financial profit. 



CHAPTER VII 
TORCHLIGHT PARADES 

SECTION I — COMPARABLE TO THE CADET DRILL 

The fact that the writer has never attempted to 
interest parish boys In military work and can not 
make any suggestions regarding that feature does 
not prevent him from adding tribute to Its physical 
and moral helpfulness. And meanwhile he will be 
permitted to treat of a turn-out that he has often 
managed and which to some may seen an excellent 
makeshift substitute for early soldiering, the torch- 
light parade. 

To be sure this diversion is one that provides no 
training for body nor for mind and consequently 
no rivalry with the higher functions of youthful 
military doings; nevertheless, considered as a mere 
attraction, It easily approaches the latter. Indeed, 
many boys are far more readily won by the illu- 
minated procession than by the regular ''profession" 
of arms. These recruits are youngsters of a some- 
what careless and Indolent turn, who could hardly 
be induced to bear the discipline and training In- 
separable from amateur soldier life. 

The night turnout, which will certainly be of in- 
frequent occurrence, should probably not be under- 
taken oftener than once a year; nevertheless the 
torches, even during the months of their total ex- 
tinction, will not fail to throw light upon the so- 
lety's admission gates. And it Is a happy clrcum- 

72 



Additional Advantages 73 

stance that the event Is naturally more or less 
Identified with cool, starry autumn weather. Ac- 
cordingly, the procession can become an annual fall 
outing, and as such will grandly reunite and en- 
thuse the members after their summer vacation 
from society affairs. 



SECTION II — ^ADDITIONAL ADVANTAGES 

A second gain found In this legalized and suf- 
ficiently controlled outburst of flame-bearers Is its 
efficiency, rivaling even that of the military feature, 
In bringing our young friends prominently before 
the public. 

Boys, let me say anew, respect their organization 
all the more when people talk of Its doings. Hence 
the members of a juvenile union unconsciously de- 
rive no end of lasting encouragement from filling 
the streets with the blaze and cheer of a display 
which excites favorable and general comment and 
which, to the enthusiastic participants, Is rated as 
nothing less than the locality's spectacular triumph. 
This view was once forcibly presented by some 
newsboys, members of the writer's sodality, gath- 
ered during a moment of business depression at a 
street corner rendezvous. "De men's p'lltercal 
p'rades ain't in it wid us," exclaimed one of the 
group, "fer de ripublicans is small widout de dem'- 
crats, an' de dem'crats ain't much better alone." 
"Dat's rite," cried another, *Vese de peeple; 
our crowd gits every dem'crat, and every rl- 
publlcan, besides de hull of de fellers wot's on de 
fence." 

Nor Is the high estimate which juveniles easily 



74 Torchlight Parades 

form concerning their display by any means 
groundless. Fairness to my subject demands the 
statement that this procession, even when got up 
after a very primitive fashion, really pleases adult 
spectators. Even the drawbacks to be mentioned 
below do not endanger the leading features of the 
affair. The parade can not fail of displaying spark- 
ling, cheering lines of exuberant youth in all the 
natural grace of boyish movement, and this charm, 
even if unaided, will always avail to win the 
night. 

Lastly, the torchlight procession can be recom- 
mended on the grounds of economy and practicabil- 
ity. It requires no uniforms and no shoulder-pieces 
other than the old-fashioned and comparatively in- 
expensive articles after which it is named. Modern 
Greek-fire candles for general use are wholly out 
of question. In the boys' parade it will not suffice 
that illuminants are provided for merely a certain 
number of those in line; there must be one for each 
and every participant; but Greek-fire candles, 
enough to go fully around during an entire evening, 
would involve an absurd expense. Then again, 
drippings from the latter articles bum hands and 
wearing apparel, while tin torches without failing 
to throw plenty of light do not offer this incon- 
venience. Of course the little oil cans sometimes 
spring a leak; but, as most people know, kerosene 
does not in the least injure clothing. 

Neither does the evening procession demand any 
kind of preparatory drill. Little more should be 
done than to have the paraders form two files, one 
on each side of the street. When the music strikes 
up all keep step — in fact, can not help it — and fa- 



Difjiculties 75 

vored by this modicum of regularity the column- 
movement takes on as much precision as need be 
cared for. 

SECTION III DIFFICULTIES 

It seems impossible to say otherwise than 
vaguely what minimum number of paraders will 
avail to make a satisfactory showing. This point 
hinges largely on the size of the community, or, to 
speak more accurately, on the length of the locally 
organized processions with which that of the boys 
will be compared. Fifty young torch-bearers 
might appear well in a village, and two hundred 
of them ought certainly to be voted a success any- 
where outside of our very largest centers, which 
permit no collection of humanity to seem great un- 
less up in the thousands. 

Moreover, enthusiastic anticipations on the part 
of most of the boys must not be mistaken for an 
assurance that all will participate who can. The 
parades are liable to suffer the loss especially of 
some of the older lads, apprehensive that they will 
be compromised by appearing publicly with the 
younger fry. This sensitiveness will be somewhat 
eased by an arrangement parting most of the 
juniors (the smallest of them anyway) from the 
seniors. 

The foregoing division proves helpful also to 
appearances: It guards against the grotesqueness 
that would be presented by youngsters of all sizes 
lined up together. Here again, however, rigorous 
discrimination is hardly called for. The spectacular 
effect, especially since it Is planned for the night 
time, will not suffer greatly by some slight uneven- 



76 Torchlight Parades 

ness in the physical standing of troopers who are in 
the same division. Accordingly, stature varieties 
seem sufficiently honored by the formation of two 
companies, respectively for lads over or under a 
given age — say fourteen years. And, as a trial 
will show, boys, without needing any pressure or 
watching, are fairly regular in keeping to which- 
ever of these detachments is the one they should 
join. 

Happily the torchlight procession is not mate- 
rially deteriorated by the presence of citizens in 
worn-out clothing. If, as is supposed, the display 
occurs in the somewhat advanced fall season, ultra- 
negligee shirts have already yielded to the cold 
weather and do not appear. Besides nowadays boys 
over thirteen years of age, though they should be 
of the poorer class, rarely go about In actual 
tatters. And taking things at their worst, 
apparel that is faded, discolored, or thread- 
bare becomes as presentable by torchlight as in 
photography. 

These considerations should be encouraging, es- 
pecially as coming from one who in the present af- 
fair Is far from being easily pleased. Indeed, the 
writer candidly confesses never to have gathered 
his night prowlers for their outing without suffer- 
ing something like heart-failure over the Identical 
uncouth features that have just been belittled ; but 
a favorable vox populi has ever reassured him. If, 
then, you are interested in evening marches, note 
the cheering fact that the weird dancing lights and 
shadows created by blazing torches throw abundant 
charm over a juvenile omnium gatherum which by 
day could not possibly hold its own. 



Formation 77 

SECTION IV FORMATION 

As already stated, the paraders are best formed 
in two lines, one on either side of the street. It 
would be a mistake to place the braves four abreast; 
their limited numbers ought to be spread out as 
Impressively as possible. Naturally, the society's of- 
ficers will carry lanterns whereby to be distin- 
guished from the rank and file. Most of these dig- 
nitaries can act as grand marshal and staff, and as 
such will, according to custom, march In a body at 
the column's head. This arrangement does not 
prevent the detail of some of the fraternity's mag- 
nates to walk between the files as captains and lieu- 
tenants of the forces. 

Clearly, the turn-out will seem all the more the 
"real thing" If, like other parades of good stand- 
ing. It moves under police escort. And here let me 
suggest that the ever urbane captain of your pre- 
cinct be asked to provide at least a trio of bluecoats. 
Three or more policemen make something of a 
ceremonious looking squad and set off a boys' pro- 
cession very well : but two officers, walking In a busi- 
ness-like way at the van seem bent on creating the 
painful suggestion that all hands have been placed 
under arrest. 

Of course, the parade supposes a supply of ener- 
getic drummers and fifers. I would advise, that 
for every two hundred boys In line, a separate corps 
consisting. If possible, of five pieces, be provided. 

As a precautionary move toward the mainte- 
nance of good order, the director prudently Invites 
a few young men to accompany the marchers. 
These adults, scattered along the length of the en- 



78 Torchlight Parades 

tire column, should be on hand ostensibly *'for ser- 
vice In case of accident." In point of fact, any dis- 
ciplinary action on their part will be of a quasi- 
accidental nature, for youngsters, while enjoying 
the abundant legitimate liberty of this free and easy 
occasion, are little tempted to misbehave. 

Any elaborate attempts at ornamenting the pro- 
cession give more trouble than they are worth. 
However, American flags are, of course, a happy 
feature; the more of them the better. Also it may 
be found entirely feasible to provide the officers 
with sashes of red, white, and blue bunting, and 
with white gloves. In order that less will have to 
be done the very evening of the parade, it is well, 
a day or so beforehand, to see that the officers are 
provided with the articles just named, as well as 
with the lanterns which complete their insignia of 
lofty rank. 

SECTION V — PROTECTING THE "aCCOUTER- 
MENTS" 

Tin torches will last for years, but on condition 
that they be preserved from rust. Accordingly, 
when out of commission they should be kept in a 
garret or other dry place/ Their storage need not 
involve the slightest danger of fire. Safety of 
course demands that after the articles have been 
used, the residue of oil be emptied from the cans; 
and the wicks, always inflammable when once they 
have been saturated, should also be removed. The 
latter can be conveniently packed and securely 

^The appendix illustrates a wooden rack designed to hold 
these articles. By its use the work of storing, transporting, 
and filling therri will be much facilitated. 



Protecting the '^Accouterments^' 79 

locked In large tin boxes. With these precautions 
taken, torches retain absolutely nothing that can 
give them an Incendiary turn and are, consequently, 
quite as harmless as any other combinations of 
wood and tin. 

However, thoughtful readers will find them- 
selves reflecting that protection of these flame-hold- 
ers when not In use gives much less than half an 
assurance of their preservation; evidently the arti- 
cles must undergo a real crisis every time they are 
committed to the scant mercies of the boisterous 
paraders. People, therefore, naturally ask : — How 
will these comparatively frail objects be safely de- 
livered to an undisciplined, josthng, juvenile mul- 
titude? What will they not suffer while in this 
reckless keeping? Can the torches be afterward re- 
covered in sound condition; or, for that matter, 
can they be recovered at all? 

My sufficiently favorable answer to these ques- 
tions must be prefaced with the frank admission 
that after a boys' parade the fiery Instruments 
thereof give ample evidence of having been abun- 
dantly paraded. Like soldiers who have suffered 
In a battle just fought, torches the worse for last 
evening's outing must be classed as killed, wounded, 
and missing. The dead are invariably dead out 
and out; only their corpselike wooden handles re- 
main. Happily the wounded subjects, while nu- 
merous, can generally be rehabilitated. It doesn't 
matter that their poor tin heads are somewhat 
crushed or half knocked off ; any surgeon-tinker can 
easily restore them for future campaigns. 

But the missing! What a blessing that they 
need be very few I For it must be admitted, like 



8o Torchlight Parades 

many vanishing braves of real warfare, they are 
likely to have found other fields of activity and are 
forever lost to the force. 



SECTION VI — RES CLAMAT DOMINO 

Here are some expedients that the writer has 
seen curtail the list of dead and missing enough to 
enable a collection of illuminants to survive in Its 
practical entirety repeated attacks on the town. 

First of all, let every torch be numbered; the 
figures should be branded into the handles and then 
painted white. Stencil work, which would be im- 
mediately obscured by soot, Is not. In this instance, 
of any service. 

The next step will be to provide each participant 
before parade night with a "torch ticket," large 
enough to be handled in a coming moment of ex- 
citement and something like the following : 



TORCH TICKET. 



^^This card not good, if presented in bad condition, or if the 
name written on it be in any way changed. 

Name of Bearer 

The Bearer of this Ticket will carry Torch No 



FORMATION OF COMPANIES: 

Fall in at 730 P. M. sharp. 

Company A, boys OVER 14 years of age, will form oa Tenth 
Street, EAST of the aveaue. 

Company B, boys UNDER 14 years of age, will form on Tenth 
Str^t, WEST of the avenue. 



This precious certificate of course entitles Its pos- 
sessor to a coveted shadow-chaser. But before the 



Res Clamat Domino 8i 

parader receives the card his name is clearly written 
thereon, and by a generous expenditure of vocal 
energy he is made to thoroughly feel the depth of 
the legend which the card bears, that unless his 
written name remains Intact, the ticket will be In- 
valid. 

Now, when In the act of receiving his firebrand 
the youngster must pass In the above check to be 
retained by the persons who superintend opera- 
tions. Moreover, the latter, on delivering a torch 
to the applicant, take note of Its number and mark 
that number on the line of the applicant's card re- 
served for the purpose. By this proceeding, the 
parader obtains his shoulder-piece without the 
slightest delay, but meanwhile leaves with the man- 
agement a written record of the exact article he has 
happened to carry off. 

This latter circumstance exercises wonderful re- 
straining Influence over the processional enthusiast. 
While en route, he may be tempted to explode the 
vessel of flame and thus signalize his attainment to 
an extra high order of excitement; or, at the end of 
the march, he, perhaps, leans to an ultra-liberal the- 
ological view, making torches, like umbrellas, com- 
mon property; but gaudet tentamine virtus. Sus- 
tained by an abiding consciousness that at head- 
quarters the borrowed treasure Is known to be In 
his keeping, the bearer nearly always returns 
It thither "safe," so to speak, and usually 
"sound." 

Torch tickets, therefore, can enable those in 
charge to make a case against any lad who falls to 
return his portable burner, or who returns the same 
In bad condition ; nevertheless, actual proceedings of 



82 Torchlight Parades 

the kind may never be necessary. The mere fact 
that the numbers of torches are recorded seems to 
restrain boys so effectually that losses are usually 
not worth Investigating. Save after the very first 
of his parades, the writer never found enough in- 
jured and missing property to justify the trouble of 
tracing those who were in fault. 



SECTION VII — ^ARMING THE FORCES 

Over and above the foregoing precautions, ar- 
rangements should be made for handling the crowd 
throughout the actual distribution. This care, need- 
ful anyway for the maintenance of a modicum of 
order. Is besides a condition sine qua non for mak- 
ing sure that the torch tickets are marked with 
some kind of accuracy. 

Now the director will hardly meet the present 
emergency unless mindful that his average boy — 
breathlessly reaching the scene half an hour too 
early — Is equipped for operations by forgetfulness 
of previous Instructions coupled with an innate 
conviction that he must secure the first torch or per- 
ish in the attempt. Evidently this lad, multiplied 
into a crowd, requires methodical, not to say stra- 
tegic, treatment. 

Begin, therefore, by assembling the throng at 
some distance from the objects to be delivered. If 
two companies are to be formed, their letters, A 
and B, painted on small hand-transparencies, will 
guide each juvenile to his appointed detachment. 
After mobilization has been effected, let the 
*'troops" under all available muscular direction — 
police and civilian — move on the supplies. Should 



Arming the Forces 83 

this advance be made alongside a building or 
fence, so much the better: an alleged alignment 
of undisciplined youngsters is never at better ad- 
vantage than when It can be pushed bodily against 
some such Immovable object and pressed out 
straight. 

But before the eager soldier boys can reach their 
arsenal we shall repair to the latter place and note 
the preparations made therein. The unlit flame- 
holders are found In a yard provided with two 
gates, one to be used as an entrance and the other 
for exit. In this yard are also located a number of 
tables, at each of which sits a scribe. Back of 
every scribe stands a torch-handler. Possibly this 
arrangement immediately suggests what is to be 
done. The handler Is ready to give the arrivals 
their torches, and. In so doing, will call off the num- 
bers of the torches delivered. The scribe, seated 
at the table. Is ready to catch the numbers of 
torches called off by the handler, and these num- 
bers he Is going to mark on the cards the boys will 
present. 

The Influx of noisy, giddy ticket-bearers must be 
regulated at the entrance-gate where one or two 
men will admit, successively, squads of about a 
dozen or fifteen. Our young friends, on entering 
the place, are forthwith directed to the tables ; they 
then present cards, receive torches, and pass by 
the exit gate into the street in as little time as It 
takes to tell. By this method, quite a regiment of 
uproarious, half-disorderly boys can be ''armed" 
and more or less accurately recorded in something 
like a quarter of an hour. 

It will be well to have the base of supplies kept 



84 Torchlight Parades 

open while the column is en route. Torches will 
then be obtainable by working boys and others ar- 
riving late ; and also, at any time while the proces- 
sion is moving, they can be replaced should any 
parader's enthusiasm fail. 



SECTION VIII FROM START TO FINISH 

The vociferousness, extra confusion, and general 
pandemonium incidental to the excitement of light- 
ing-up and getting off, must not be permitted to 
create alarm; the single potent word "march" puts 
everything sufficiently to rights. This instantane- 
ous evolution of quasi-orderly movement from 
seeming chaos was abundantly noted in the author's 
first and purely experimental attempt. Our distri- 
bution of lights was immediately followed by up- 
roarious saturnalia which seemingly verified the 
worst fears that had been entertained. The giddy 
throng, ignoring instructions, swarmed hither and 
thither, swinging torches and creating a din that 
drowned all vocal guidance. Apparently, the ven- 
ture was to result in only the oil-spilling, fire-scat- 
tering antics of a juvenile mob. 

In desperation over this outlook the writer 
pounded a bass drum for attention and profited by 
an ensuing lull of small diameter to pull the nearest 
of the turbulent mass into a head which was forth- 
with ordered to march and did so. This success 
gave the situation an entirely new aspect. It was 
clear that, having grown a head that moved, we 
could not well help acquiring a tail that would also 
move ; so leaving the latter and intermediate details 
of processional anatomy to work out their exist- 



From Start to Finish 85 

ence on the way, we boldly sallied forth, and — as 
the evening's public welcome proved — to glory. 

While there is comparatively little ground for 
fear that the column as long as it is in transitu will 
make trouble, one is prudent in having the march- 
ers "do" the town briefly, say within ninety min- 
utes. Never let juveniles tire of things; in their 
world it is of exhausted novelty that the liveliest of 
mischief is born. 

But, as yet, we are not fully "out of the woods." 
At the close of the parade torches must be re- 
placed; and their return, like the home-coming of 
some flesh and blood veterans, is likely to prove 
more disastrous than was actual service abroad. 
What with boyish rudeness toward play articles no 
longer in demand, and an uproar that utterly 
drowns all attempts at vocal direction, the safe re- 
delivery of the instruments of the parade can only 
be secured by arrangements similar to the earlier 
ones by which these same instruments were safely 
loaned. 

Let the procession, then, terminate at the gate of 
the starting place, or of some other yard which 
has separate means for entrance and exit. Again 
the paraders, as they enter the enclosure, are broken 
into rapidly successive squads. Within, should be 
stationed several adults; these, if sufliclently nu- 
merous, will easily disarm all arrivals before the 
latter can summon enough presence of mind to shy 
their encumbrances at random. 

With a final catastrophe thus averted, an inven- 
tory of the torch supply can be inaugurated with 
confidence. Only trifling losses will appear; a few 
dead will have to be cremated without the honors 



86 Torchlight Parades 

of war; the wounded must in larger numbers be 
invalided to the tin-smithery hospital; while the 
evening's favorable outcome in general will enable 
you to forget that two or three, perhaps, of the 
light-headed mechanisms are reported missing and 
will never return. 



CHAPTER VIII 
ATHLETIC SPORTS 

SECTION I — CONCERNING BASEBALL AND OTHER 
STRICTLY CO-OPERATIVE GAMES 

A LARGE percentage of American boys take spe- 
cial delight in meeting for the muscular doings of 
field and track. Accordingly the patron creating 
such gatherings is hailed as a veritable Moses under 
whose guidance juveniles have passed from the 
bondage of commonplace conditions to a new and 
exceedingly choice "promised land." 

But most directors planning in this direction 
look instinctively, chiefly and, perhaps, solely to 
the national game. They should reflect that base- 
ball, since it reigns chiefly during the society's sum- 
mer vacation, can afford the society only lesser 
help. Furthermore, any sport entailing the forma- 
tion of a team becomes troublesome from the fact 
that the players soon clamor for the services of non- 
members of dazzling skill and lose heart unless — 
in direct antagonism to the fraternity's interests — 
these outsiders are allowed right of way. 

And, finally, the doings of the diamond may 
prove of comparatively slight assistance to the 
leader aiming, as in any populous locality he ought, 
at securing followers in large numbers. The club 
attracts only a few. Not more than nine players 
can don the uniforms, and the auxiliary group of 
substitutes and satellites will hardly be more than 

87 



88 Athletic Sports 

as many again. City boys, organized by the whole- 
sale and meeting, at most, once a week, conceive 
very little of the esprit de corps which owing to 
closer companionship is so easily developed at 
school; accordingly, the non-playing large majority 
of the fraternity take, ordinarily, little interest in 
the fraternity's team on which they have no place. 

It is not, however, to be thought that the writer 
would discourage any one so inclined from utilizing 
baseball. On the contrary, the diversion always 
exerts a real, even if limited drawing power, which 
is not to be despised. Besides, while the sport, con- 
sidered as a recreation, accomphshes less, it may, 
by its successful issue and as a source of prestige, 
accomplish more. If, notwithstanding certain un- 
avoidable stumbling-blocks — fortnightly conflicts 
for the captainship, weekly desertions, and daily 
dissensions of players — the nine contrives to secure 
local juvenile championship, it then warms the 
pride of even non-players and becomes a real power 
in the union's behalf. Furthermore, baseball tri- 
umphs help the society to be talked about by grown 
people; and, as elsewhere maintained, juvenile 
members are much encouraged when their society 
stock is conversationally advanced. 

The remaining co-operative games, football and 
basket-ball, though happily timed to occur side by 
side with sodality activity, are in other respects 
subject to the drawbacks just noted. 

SECTION II GENERAL ATHLETICS MORE HELPFUL 

In consequence I would preferably rely on the 
ordinary field sports. These contests, held out of 



General Athletics More Helpful 89 

doors, are happily available during the sodality's 
spring and fall seasons and, under favor of an ar- 
mory or other fit building, can be utilized during the 
religiously busy winter. 

Furthermore, general athletics, even amidst the 
rivalries of contending associations, permit the par- 
ticipants belonging to any particular body to stand 
pretty much each boy for himself. Hence these 
contests breed in participants comparatively little 
of the strong temptation, created by strictly co- 
operative games, to plead for "new blood" from 
without. 

Besides, miscellaneous sports, if conducted with 
attention to variety and to the interests of both the 
older and the younger boys, open up a gladly ac- 
cepted field for many and can therefore be trusted 
to attract youngsters from the four winds. Pro- 
vide, then, opportunities for the largest possible 
number of runners, jumpers, vaulters, etc.; by so 
doing you bring a lot of lads running, jumping, 
vaulting, etc., into your organization. 

In default of better facilities, general athletics 
can do fairly well in some private or semi-pri- 
vate place, e.g., a school-yard or trafHcless side 
street; but meanwhile the contests naturally claim 
grounds ample enough for the crowning triumph 
of securing large and appreciative spectatorshlp. 
Obviously, lookers-on are all Important, both to 
the success of the games and to the ulterior object 
which we have in view. Adult spectators give pro- 
ceedings a much higher standing before the boys; 
and it goes without saying that the youngsters 
themselves are needed In full force. Blessed, In- 
deed, Is the field day when the less energetic, com- 



90 Athletic Sports 

paratlvly Inactive, and strenuously lazy lads, all of 
whom are material for religious organizations, are, 
without exception, on hand to hold hats and coats, 
to keep tallies, and to "root." 

It is also to be noted that miscellaneous sports, if 
so well attended as to take the form of an out-and- 
out public field day, become a very efficacious ad- 
vertisement. The games then draw notice, and re- 
enforce the general hurrah, thereby doing much 
toward the union's secular standing that the writer 
finds essential to notable success. 

SECTION III — A FEW PRACTICAL HINTS 

With differences of locality the tone of athletic 
meets can vary widely. Wherever such affairs have 
acquired the footing usually obtained by them in 
large towns, all details must be transacted digni- 
fiedly and by rule; participants have to appear In 
conventional costume ; the program, given little or 
not at all to comic features, Is carried out by adult 
amateur officials (always most willing to take 
charge), and finally the prizes consist, necessarily, 
of medals or other very presentable objects. 

However, no rural or quasi-rural worker should 
for a moment imagine himself obliged to keep this 
pace. On the contrary his world, as being wholly 
free from fixed athletic rule, Is one In which neither 
contestants nor spectators will lose any Interest In 
muscular deeds because done by wearers of every- 
day raiment, or because for the most part of a 
mirth-provoking kind. Indeed, as an uproarious 
finale, proprieties, as commonly understood, may be 
completely set at naught by inviting the more en- 



A Few Practical Hints 91 

thuslastic competitors to try the greasy pole, or by 
permitting all hands to cope with the greased pig 
— a creature sure to prove one of the leading ath- 
letes of the occasion. 

Naturally enough success for the day demands a 
prize-laden goal; but, fortunately, boys free from 
the influence of conventionality are ostrichlike re- 
garding trophies, and take to themselves every odd 
thing of a reward that comes in their way. This 
omnivorous appetite greatly facilitates things. The 
worker who may be quite unable to secure tasteful 
medals, etc., suitable to adult athletes, easily se- 
cures, through the kindness of local dealers and 
others, enough miscellaneous commonplace gifts to 
stir numerous limbs that enjoy the mobility of early 
youth. ^ Besides, it is not always necessary that 
every winner should actually secure some reward. 
Victors will be content to receive checks entitling 
them to chances on prizes of superior worth and 
the athletic gatherings can be followed by a grand 
drawing for the same. 

The priestly friend of boys will be mindful that 
these pages by no means solicit his direct manage- 
ment of such an affair as the field day: on the con- 
trary, let him feel that he can with the utmost con- 
fidence cultivate the reserve recommended In an 
earlier chapter. The clerical director Is not even 
obliged to know anything concerning the Ins and 
outs of sports, but merely to know others who do. 
Having seen that all preliminaries are arranged, he 

*Some of the articles the writer has seen gladly accepted 
under the above circumstances were chickens, turkeys, soda 
water, candies, pies, peanuts, apples, potatoes, etc., as well as 
hats, neckties, shoes, umbrellas, and even a barber's donation 
of half a dozen "hair cuts." 



92 Athletic Sports 

temporarily abdicates in favor of lay officials much 
better fitted than himself to preside over actual con- 
tests. Nevertheless, until the last victor is cheered, 
the organizer stays on the scene. And he should 
never remain merely as a spectator but always as 
one whose advice on important side issues quietly 
assists the managers, and whose presence is the best 
guarantee of sufficiently orderly proceedings on the 
part of the youthful throng. 

Moreover, the preliminaries to which the di- 
rector will, perforce, have given some earlier at- 
tention, and in private, are not such as to involve 
notable expenditure of time. The "paraphernalia" 
which, of course, one must make sure of providing, 
is exceedingly limited and primitive. Indeed, it is 
by contemplating the few and uncouth requisites 
for a grand athletic occasion, that observers best 
realize how much innocent amusement and display 
youthful human nature can derive from Its own 
muscles and nerves. These auxiliary articles are 
chiefly, the jump-stand (which is the only present- 
able bit of apparatus in the collection) and vault- 
ing pole; an 8-pound shot; a tug-of-war rope; some 
empty flour-barrels, perhaps; a number of old 
sacks, and a few potatoes. 



CHAPTER IX 

BADGES:— SUIT THEM TO THE 
WEARERS 

SECTION I — BOYS AND BUTTONS 

The emblems here considered are of religious 
or semi-religious character; designed, however, not 
for church use, but to be worn in every-day life. 

Since we ought to take juveniles by juvenile 
ways, it seems really surprising that some organiz- 
ers fail to provide their followers with a society 
button.^ Every-day street life shows that boys are, 
par excellence, emblem bearers ; why not, then, offer 
them the attraction of a badge pecuHar to their 
pious association? Moreover, through methods 
such as are to be described below, youngsters can 
certainly be induced to wear their "union label'^ 
about town both freely and perseveringly. Now 
the button, pushed thus into general notice, con- 
tributes largely to that secular prominence on the 
part of the society which has been so strongly ad- 
vocated. 

The well-established emblem, while occasionally 
loafing a bit or indulging In craps-play and epi- 
sodes of belligerent character, ostentatiously at- 

*It should be really a button, in the sense of having a button- 
back. This arrangement helps to secure from juveniles the 
respectful treatment due to an object possessed of more or less 
religious meaning. Boys' badges with pin-backs have a weak- 
ness for settling down undignifiedly on caps, suspenders, etc., 
but the button-back badge necessarily claims an eminently re- 
spectable resting place. 

93 



94 Badges: — Suit Them to the Wearers 

tends school, carries bundles, sells papers, shines 
shoes, escorts parades, runs to fires, permeates 
street excitements, and, in fact, actively enters into 
every local department, until the bearers of the 
decoration come to regard its ubiquitous activity as 
proof positive that their association is of impor- 
tance almost aldermanic. 

In addition to this helpfulness in furthering the 
society's prestige, a religious mark, commonly worn 
in public, directly and powerfully promotes Cath- 
ohc spirit in the lads by whom the mark is dis- 
played. It secures a continuous manly profession 
of faith, nearly as open and conspicuous as if all 
hands were to follow the cross in a daily street pro- 
cession. 

Indeed, our young friends may sometimes be led 
to make their denominational button the occasion 
of muscular polemics not contemplated by the fra- 
ternity's management. "Do Protestant lads ever 
ask the meaning of your badge?" was the question 
once put to a street-boy friend of mine. "Yep," 
answered the youngster, "sometimes dey wanter 
know." "Then what explanation do you give 
them?" continued the inquirer. "Oh," replied our 
rough and ready tyro controversialist, instinctively 
and realistically bunching his fist, "I jis' haul off 
and soak 'em." 

SECTION II POPULAR BUTTONS VERSUS ARTISTIC 

ONES 

The writer, having nailed to his masthead the. 
principle that our town juniors should be taught 
religion and morality rather than aesthetics, may 



Popular Buttons versus Artistic Ones 95 

consistently plead that the fraternity's badge is suf- 
ficiently presentable, If only In accord with unculti- 
vated boyish taste. Now It Is clear that city ju- 
veniles, taken just as they come from the various 
sidewalks of life, are very feebly endowed with ar- 
tistic sense; to them art Is merely chalk-work on 
fences, and high art Is but chalk-work on high 
fences. Far, then, from offering town-trotters a 
petite, dainty badge that might seem the Inanimate 
missionary of refinement, I would equip them with 
an ample and somewhat flashy article, "loud" 
enough to suit their crude likings. 

Let us enter a little Into details. First of all, 
the emblem bidding for high favor In rather low 
places ought to revel In an abundance of red. This 
color, intimately associated with sheriff's sales as 
well as with railroad smash-ups and other thrilling 
events, is by far the most adventurous tenant of the 
spectrum and, therefore, may be plausibly consid- 
ered the boys' favorite. But my preference enjoys 
further support from the fact that the red, more 
than other hues, catches the eye. This Is a 
great recommendation with our young friends, 
who estimate the worth of their button, less 
from its excellence in design and color blend- 
ing than by the distance from which it can be 
seen. 

The power of red to fix attention should also be 
considered In its effect on even the adult public. 
Give the juvenile throng decorations of subdued 
tone, and the bearers of such ornaments will, per- 
haps, gain very little of the public notice they could 
so advantageously receive ; but deck the youngsters 
out in crimson-like badges and, collectively emula- 



g6 Badges: — Suit Them to the Wearers 

ting the rainbow, they will claim the observation of 
all. 

Now, since the first of our national colors is so 
helpful, why not combine it in the present instance 
with the two remaining ones and thereby consult 
both popularity for the button, and patriotism in 
its bearers? Moreover, by this selection, piety can 
be directly stimulated as much as love of country. 
Our hearers will profit greatly by a frequently re- 
peated w^ord on the spiritual meaning that attaches 
to "the red, white, and blue." They can be most 
profitably reminded that, hundreds of years before 
our flag was known and from the days of St. Felix 
de Valois, these three colors were worn by his Or- 
der for the Redemption of Captives as symbols of 
Faith unto crimson bloodshed; of Hope soaring 
above the terrestrial azure ; and of Charity, uniting 
with the sister virtues to clothe happy souls in spirit- 
ual robes of spotless white. 

The size, also, of the boys' emblem has a bearing 
on its popularity. One called upon to choose in 
this matter, and who would be secure from mistake, 
must be mindful that pariim pro nihilo reputatur is 
a first principle in all juvenile decorative proceed- 
ings. Consequently, if things ornamental are to 
suit the every-day youngster, they must be big. 

This demand for spectacular dimensions seems 
to be inversely proportional to the size of the party 
to be arrayed. At eight or nine years, our little 
man would prefer a badge of sunflower diameter; 
and he gradually learns to accept something 
smaller more out of concession to the taste of adults 
than owing to any change of his own. By a sort of 
instinctive compromise, lads in their earlier teens 



Youthful ''Old Age'' on its Dignity 97 

have halted at the exact circumference of a silver 
quarter; this with an unanimity that extends 
throughout the land and forbids any attempt at 
further reduction. Meanwhile, however, young 
fellows approaching seventeen must have a more 
diminutive emblem, and in the writer's organiza- 
tion an article sized to suit this demand figures as 
the highest grade of the multiple button about to 
be explained. 



SECTION III- 

DIGNITY 

Differences of years, which are forever making 
trouble in work for boys, chiefly impede the adop- 
tion of any strictly uniform design by all members 
of a society. Older youths scorn to share the iden- 
tical "tagging" of smaller companions. Owing to 
this objection, a button will hardly enjoy general 
patronage unless it appears in two or more varie- 
ties. These may retain the same general features 
but in details they must part company in such a 
way as to denote the senior or junior standing of 
the bearers. 

It is fortunate that the feeling here noted is not 
such as to call for wholly independent badges and 
so destroy decorative unity, but is quieted with a 
very slight difference in designs, especially when 
some inequality of diameters is added. In fact 
most people, probably, will be surprised that, in 
such a matter, every-day boys are prepared to no- 
tice lesser variations enough to soothe their sus- 
ceptibilities. Evidence of this encouraging readi- 
ness, though somewhat belated, was supplied In 



98 Badges: — Suit Them to the Wearers 

time to save my own first experiment in the affair 
now before us. 

I had begun a trial, which placed only two but- 
tons in commission, with grave misgivings as to 
the outcome ; there certainly seemed little likelihood 
that the careless youngsters concerned would find 
the trifling changes of the emblems sufficiently dis- 
tinctive. Following events appeared to confirm this 
apprehension; and discouraged by the results of 
what was really an imperfect test, I was about to 
relinquish further effort. Just then a leader among 
the roughest and most neglected youngsters of the 
locality intervened to save the enterprise. He came 
to me in the very brightest halo of honesty (Its 
most magnificent setting is in juvenile rags) to re- 
turn a sodality ornament picked up in the street. 

"Keep the find for your own use, Mat," said 
the writer. "But, Father," replied the lad, "It's no 
use to me, 'tain't for my grade." And, thus. Mat 
in his uprightness aided the cause of buttons far 
more than he knew; for, unconsciously, the lad in- 
spired his patron with courage to give their plural 
use a more extended trial. Excellent results 
finally appeared. Indeed, after a little, two forms 
of the badges seemed insufficient and a third was 
added. 

Our present use of the multiple decoration is as 
follows : A newcomer receiving, of course, the low- 
est form Is allowed the next higher variety on hav- 
ing made his first year. However, the latter 
achievement does not consist of twelve months of 
membership finished, but materializes with the 
mere ending of the sodality year in which the fresh- 
man has been enrolled. Accordingly, when we 



^'Business Is Business'* 99 

open up In September, recruits who entered during 
the preceding fall and recruits who joined at the 
very eve of the summer vacation just over are held 
as having had equal success In weathering their 
first year and establishing a claim on the corre- 
sponding superior badge. To be sure such Indis- 
criminate promotion could not possibly be tolerated 
In other departments of life, but It creates no feel- 
ing whatever among boys and meanwhile renders 
Immense service by obviating necessarily burden- 
some Investigations of individual membership 
records. 

The second emblem, having been thus preserved 
from discreditable connection with lesser humanity, 
easily retains favor with the post-freshman until 
these begin to mount the pedestal of recognized 
authority. Appearance on the appointment list, 
the stepping-stone to high places, entitles the com- 
ing magnate to the ''officers' button" which com- 
forts his declining days of society life. 

SECTION IV- 

There can be no doubt that emblems gain much 
prestige by a requirement that the members shall 
pay for them. Young people of all others are the 
ones to hold things in all the greater esteem for 
having secured them at a sacrifice of cash. To 
tyro Investors "money is power" that gathers In 
treasures not merely, as older folks understand, 
when well directed ; but always and through native 
inerrancy. Accordingly, they account every pur- 
chase as certainly precious because of the infallibly 
efficacious pocket-capital the purchase represents. 



100 Badges: — Suit Them to the Wearers 

The helpful plan of disposing of badges for a 
few pennies each does not, of course, forbid that 
varieties indicating superior standing in the society 
should command a few pennies more. Indeed, 
when a multiple decoration is in use, an ascending 
scale of prices is absolutely necessary; otherwise, 
in the minds of the boys, the different forms of the 
emblem could never fully express the rising dignity 
of the sodality grades they designate. 

Happily the financial tribute sufficing to enhance 
these decorations is not such as to interfere in the 
least with their desirably extensive use. Mean- 
while, in order to facilitate business transactions 
necessitated by growth in dignity, I would keep the 
rule that whenever anybody is possessed of a but- 
ton of lower degree, the article, even if badly used 
up, is to be accepted at its full original value, in part 
payment for any superior emblem that the owner's 
new and higher rank may oblige him to buy. 



CHAPTER X 
BADGES:— ENCOURAGE THEIR USE 

SECTION I — STIMULATING DISPLAY 

It IS exceedingly regrettable that most workers 
really seem not to appreciate the important results 
obtainable through a common external mark of en- 
rolment. They act as if the badge could serve as 
merely some kind of a society reminder or keepsake 
to be cherished by those who so wish; whereas it 
ought really to be regarded as a means of publicly 
and permanently setting off the entire fraternity. 

Owing to this shortsightedness, emblems are often 
simply scattered broadcast among the members and 
then wholly abandoned to the mercy of juvenile 
whims. Unfortunately, the enthusiasm with which 
these ornaments are first greeted is very far from 
establishing them in lasting honor on the coats of 
the fickle recipients. For a few days, every boy is 
so happy in having his button I After some weeks, 
every button would be so happy to have its boy I 

Now, it is only speaking from what I have seen 
to assert that, with proper means taken, the badge 
can be engrafted so generally on the members as 
to contribute abundantly to the advertising and in- 
vigorating effect which should be constantly am- 
bitioned. However, it is not claimed that every boy 
can be induced to wear the emblem at all times. 
Few owners of two coats will be so loyal to the fra- 
ternity as to place its mark on both; and even the 

lOI 



I02 Badges: — Encourage Their Use 

numerous possessor of a single suit Is often care- 
less or indifferent about making the decoration a 
part of his portable wardrobe. 

Moreover, during the swimming season, buttons 
are often condemned to home obscurity and "for 
cause/' Otherwise, the owners could not enjoy 
their daily splash without risking the appropriation 
of these articles by even the care-takers "minding" 
the clothes. But, while numerous such failures 
must be patiently endured, a majority of the mem- 
bers can certainly be induced to wear the badge 
habitually during as many years as their organiza- 
tion may last. 

Every thoughtful person will perceive that this 
very desirable result can be obtained only at the 
price of careful management. First of all, open 
display of the association's emblem should be made 
a sine qua non condition for securing the material 
benefits flowing from the association Itself; any 
member appearing before the director for a prize. 
In the library for a book, at the entertainment door 
for a seat, etc., should find himself, unless duly la- 
beled, a persona non grata. 

Naturally enough, youthful Ingenuity Is at once 
occupied In circumventing legislation of this kind. 
Let us suppose, for example, an amusement gather- 
ing into which no lad will be admitted unless he 
displays the sodality badge. A party of chums 
reach the entrance. All of them are genuine mem- 
bers, but the fraternity decoration makes a poor 
showing In their midst. Indeed it is worn by only 
one of the number, Master A; and this fortunate 
individual, leaving his associates at the door, enters 
the rendezvous. Once within, however, he busies 



Further Legislation 103 

himself borrowing a lot of badges which, carried 
outside, are promptly distributed among those of 
the party In waiting. Whereupon A's chums, B, 
C, D, & Co. — half of the alphabet perhaps — be- 
ing now up to requirements promptly go In out of 
the cold.' 

But, even were such tricks to pass unchecked, 
the mere fact that the emblem must sometimes be 
shown Is wonderfully potential In causing It to be 
appreciated and well cared for. For, after all, 
when a *'good thing" Is to be gained boys are not 
overfond of trusting their chances to other boys or 
other boys' buttons and must have whatever Is 
needful that they may do by themselves. 

SECTION II FURTHER LEGISLATION 

However, the expedient just described, while 
very helpful toward securing extensive public use 
of the badge, Is by no means of such efficacy that, 
applied all alone. It can score a complete triumph. 
Many youngsters, while purchasing and profoundly 
respecting the emblem for Its tallsmanic power, will 
hardly wear the article save when Its tallsmanic 
functions are In active play. 

The organizer must, then, think out additional 
measures whereby the decoration may be kept In 
display. I recommend, chief among these, a sweep- 
ing, autocratic, and absolutely Irrevocable decree — 
which, because non-enforceable, should be all the 
more solemnly promulgated and untiringly relter- 

^Of course, when it seems worth while, one can usually upset 
little schemes of the above type. This result will be accom- 
plished in the present instance by requiring for admission, not 
only display of the badge, but also the ordinary formality of 
delivering a ticket. 



104 Badges: — Encourage Thdr Use 

ated — that, under no matter what circumstances, 
members are strictly prohibited from carrying 
badges in their pockets and are rigorously enjoined 
to always wear the same securely fastened to their 
coats. 

The button is at great advantage when rescued 
from the pocket, for then it is very likely to be 
worn. Besides, whatever goes into the receptacle 
just mentioned must closely associate with the 
knife and the match — the two agencies on which 
youthful endeavor chiefly relies for the disintegra- 
tion of things in general. Sooner or later, there- 
fore, this art treasure, if pocketed, will suffer an- 
nihilation through the violence of its destructive 
neighbors. 

Neither is the little ornament a bit safer in its 
proper place, the button-hole, if left there without 
being firmly attached to surroundings. If thus 
neglected, the first wrestling match or climbing es- 
capade will carry it to the sidewalk and thence into 
the gutter. The members should, therefore, be 
forever urged to keep themselves in readiness for 
occasions by always having the potent emblems se- 
curely fastened to their apparel. This result they 
will certainly accomplish admirably, whenever in- 
duced to go at it, personally, with needle and 
thread. 

For, as occasional, and decidedly plain seamsters, 
our young friends are a prodigious success. 
Thanks to a wide sartorial inexperience, they never 
know when things are sufficiently stitched; mean- 
while, an exuberance of physical energy inspires 
them to unusual endeavor. It is not a point of 
clumsiness alone, but also with reference to com- 



Saving Appearances 105 

pensatory muscular vigor, that boys' ^'fingers are 
all thumbs." So, once the juvenile amateur has be- 
gun operations, needle in hand, a clear triumph is 
assured. The badge will speedily become practi- 
cally an original part of the lad's garment of state; 
and, consequently, must afterward be in shining 
evidence whenever its proprietor can not contrive 
to go about in shirt-sleeves. 

SECTION III SAVING APPEARANCES 

Another suggestion: — Since the emblems will 
probably be of such material as, with time, to fade, 
consult appearances by encouraging the members 
to replace used up specimens with fresh ones. 

To quite an extent, such renewals can be fostered 
by the employment, already suggested, of two or 
more varieties of the button: under this practice, 
the bearers, by the fact of advancement in the so- 
ciety, will require its different decorations. The 
purpose in view will be again furthered by an ar- 
rangement providing that any lad who considers 
his badge the worse for wear, may, without new 
expense, exchange it for a fresh one similar to the 
first. Very rarely will this privilege be abused. On 
the contrary young people of the male sex are so 
entirely at ease under old articles of wear and so 
indifferent to things ornamental in general that the 
proposed system of trading, though altogether to 
their advantage, can never be brought about as ex- 
tensively as one would desire. 

And finally, whenever the necessity may arise, 
the society management should make determined 
efforts to prevent the emblem from losing caste by 



io6 Badges: — Encourage Their Use 

compromising repose on the breasts of boys too 
small for the organization. Much in this direction 
can be done by appeals to the members themselves 
exhorting them to resent any such unlawful decora- 
tion on the part of their upstart younger brothers 
and friends. The same result can be furthered by 
elaborate threats that little fellows who prema- 
turely don the badge will, perhaps, be excluded 
from membership even when they come to be of 
eligible years or height. 

Another preventive measure will be to secure 
the return of lost or pilfered buttons, by offering a 
fraction of the original price to youngsters present- 
ing them. Little chaps, whether they be lucky find- 
ers or light-fingered operators, when stirred by this 
bright business prospect, readily deliver up the lit- 
tle treasure-trove. They are, at least, virtuous 
enough to prefer the modest reward — a few solid 
pennies for their own — to false glitter in the trap- 
pings of other people's glory. 

SECTION IV — BUTTON TRAFFIC MADE EASY 

The same suggestion that closed the chapter 
on gifts is offered as the final one concerning 
badges. It is that the management of some 
local store be induced to have a share in the pro- 
ceedings. 

If the emblems are to be freely worn, they must 
always be within easy reach of lads who wish either 
to become purchasers or to make exchanges. On 
the other hand, as a saving of both time and dig- 
nity, the organizer prudently so arranges as not to 
personally handle the little articles. Hence the 



Button Traffic Made Easy 107 

need of finding some accommodating merchant who 
will engage In badge-traffic In the director's stead. 

This service, which many a live dealer will re- 
gard as having excellent advertising effect, Is one to 
be asked all the more eagerly by any leader who, 
like the author, feels the need of connecting his or- 
ganization In every possible way with the life and 
bustle of the town. Assuredly, a badge Is all the 
grander to youngsters who see it placed publicly 
for sale along with valuable merchandise. And, 
then, to repeat a favorite consideration, the boys 
themselves are always benefited by finding the be- 
longings of their society placed In the midst of 
what, to boyish minds, seem distinguished sur- 
roundings. 

But, while the reverend superintendent should 
personally neither sell nor exchange badges he can 
not free himself from the duty of directing their 
distribution from afar. A first care will be to bar 
would-be purchasers who are not of the union ; ac- 
cordingly, the organizer must In some way desig- 
nate each individual who may buy. To that end, 
let him furnish for his followers a card, prepared 
In such a way as to defy counterfeiters, which each 
genuine member, when applying for a button, must 
pass In as evidence that he belongs to the flock. 
The requirement that all badge seekers shall per- 
sonally secure this certificate from the director has 
an advantage over and above Its primary function 
of withholding the emblem from unauthorized 
hands. It can not but largely promote the brief 
but profitable calls which, as the writer contends, 
well-managed youngsters will always be trained to 
make on the adult who has taken them In charge. 



io8 Badges: — Encourage Their Use 

The task of issuing certificates becomes in no 
wise complicated or burdensome when extended so 
as to cover transactions arising from the use of the 
multiple badge. The same card can then be made 
to entitle a lad to any one of the emblem's different 
grades; the director signifies this or that special 
variety by merely detaching certain portions of the 
card in such a way as to give it changes of outlines 
— each of these changes having its own meaning. 
Afterward, the person disposing of badges, being, 
of course, prepared to read these alterations, has 
only to glance at a purchaser's card in order to 
know precisely the special decoration it demands. 

The handy system just described relieves one 
from the need of giving his followers any written 
statement concerning the badge degree to which 
they are entitled. A clear advantage is thereby 
gained, for the use of ink would interfere with a 
desirable, free, and easy way of doing things; while 
penciling, if committed to boyish keeping, must be 
rated a very probable exception to the rule ^'scripta 
manent.** 

At the risk of becoming over-explicit, I will here 
illustrate by presenting a certificate now in use and 
easily able to answer for as many emblem varieties 
as can be found practicable.^ 

This slip works in accordance with a very sim- 
ple rule ; the honors it demands wane with its own 
surface. The card if intact calls for the highest 
button; minus one corner it entitles to the article 

^Readers who may wish to consider the trio of buttons which 
for a couple of decades have steadily maintained popularity in 
the author's sodalities will find that little decorative family 
illustrated in the subjoined appendix, where some information 
on the business side of the subject has been added. 



Button Traffic Made Easy 109 

next lower In dignity; minus two corners It stands 
for the Immediately succeeding lesser emblem, and 
so on should there be still other minor grades to be 
designated. The lines appearing In the cut, while 
of course not strictly necessary, can be advan- 
tageously repeated on any cards printed for the pur- 
pose now In view. By formally providing for the 
removal of certain parts of the slip, they give to 
its edges, when torn, a sufficient suggestion of neat- 
ness and regularity. 



Buy and Exchange Badges 

at 

BLANK'S STORE 
500 Broadway 

{Here the prices of the different grades 
can be printed.) 



CHAPTER XI 
LIBRARY HINTS 

SECTION I — A FEW BOOKS SUFFICE 

Following the general plan already announced, 
this chapter treats of the library, not Immediately 
in any religious or educational light, but merely as 
a harmless attraction which, however, performs the 
further service of forestalling the perusal of hurt- 
ful literature. Meanwhile the narrowing of my di- 
rect object does not forbid a few hints concerning 
the tasks of providing suitable reading matter and 
giving It protection. 

The first of these undertakings is simplified by 
the fact that there is no call for any attempt at es- 
tablishing the usual plurality of well-filled depart- 
ments. An undivided collection of entertainers — 
mostly fictional — will answer; and this, for about 
one hundred patrons, can be of small bulk.^ As the 
most tireless of our book wormlings is easily made 
to live on some forty volumes yearly, a stock num- 
bering about two hundred will do him for the en- 
tire period of membership. 

Nevertheless, the literary arsenal gains with 
further growth; for if only the above number of 
tales be kept on the shelves veteran visitors will be 
forced to come on the run In order to secure the 

^The fact that many of the boys gathered will be indifferent 
to the library does not matter ; for, after all, it seems better to 
accept as readers only a limited number of those in the ranks 
who offer themselves. This plan makes library visits a privi- 
lege and thus promotes care of the books. 

no 



Vandalism Restrained iii 

few stones still unread. Raise the figure to three 
hundred narratives and the ancients need never ar- 
rive at the sacrifice of dignity and breath. 

This much done a final lot of books might be 
added as a mere matter of economy. These will 
be duplicates of some of the more popular volumes 
that have already been secured and are besides out 
of copyright. Here the latter detail is the one 
chiefly favorable to the scheme in hand; liberation 
from copyright insures a reduction of price for 
the new increase, which thereupon assists by lessen- 
ing the wear and tear of more costly matter. To 
be sure the bookcase, presenting through these at- 
tentions a front not yet four hundred strong, will 
seem to the casual observer inadequate ; neverthe- 
less, like many a sound financial institution of mod- 
est appearance, it will at any time be ready to sat- 
isfy all comers. 

SECTION II VANDALISM RESTRAINED 

But the crucial element of the present undertak- 
ing is that of preserving the printed family visitors 
from injury while making their rounds. 

As a first move toward securing them full pro- 
tection, let us look well to the efficiency of the chief 
protectors, these being persons to whom books must 
be submitted after use in order that bad treatment 
may be detected and atoned for. Where the 
maintenance of good order has been assured, this 
necessary inspection should be exercised preferably 
by workers of the gentler sex. Decisions by the lat- 
ter judges will be more feared in advance and less 
unresignedly accepted after sentence; for, as well 
as the boys can make out, ladies are born authorl- 



112 Library Hints 

ties on neatness, while men merely strive for Ideas 
on the subject. 

The next precautionary step may advisedly be 
the establishment of a small matriculation fee di- 
rected to the exclusion of youngsters not really in- 
terested In books. A nickel will suffice. Chaps of 
wholly undeveloped sedentary ability but inclined 
to follow their companions and take from the 
shelves "just for the fun of the thing" are likely 
to think twice when the sacrifice of even a few pen- 
nies figures as an essential preliminary to the joke. 

SECTION III — A PAPER DETECTIVE 

Of course It will be necessary to number the 
prints, but a blank-book for marking their "com- 
ings and goings" is employed more frequently than 
is justified by results. The record maintained by 
this means Is of cumbersomely slow operation at 
busy moments when the boys are actually on hand, 
and Is still more trying if lost books must be traced. 
A substitute expedient, one that has been found to 
answer excellently for the rather small circle of 
readers contemplated, consists of the present card. 



c^Cctme 

cAddress 

€h(p, of Book "Date 



8^. of Book ^ate 

Return this Book-mark with the Book 



A Paper Detective 113 

This card is to be used as follows: The mem- 
ber having written his name and address on the 
lines indicated, the workers at the shelves inscribe 
on both the card and the stub (the latter serving as 
a detachable "book-mark") the other items called 
for, i.e., the number of the volume loaned and the 
date of the transaction. While the card itself re- 
mains in the keeping of the library administration, 
the "book-mark" is handed to the visitor to be re- 
turned by him, in accordance with the instructions 
printed on the book-mark, along with the 
book. 

The advantages of this arrangement are easily 
observed. Master Book-lover, bringing back the 
explored volume, offers it for inspection to one 
worker and at the same time delivers his slip (the 
stub or book-mark) to another worker. As that 
bit of cardboard, by means of its inscribed date, 
betrays the offense (if it has occurred) of keeping 
the print out overtime, the visitor's entire case is 
at once before the administration, and with the 
settlement of any incidental fines is promptly closed.* 

In this, the normal operation of the plan, the 
card (from which the book-mark was detached) 
need play no very active part. It is merely matched 
with the corresponding stub after the return of the 
latter, and when comparison has shown that the 
figures of the stub have been returned as first writ- 

^As is explained elsewhere, it is in my opinion a mistake to 
establish fines in connection with the essential doings of the 
society ; for when fines are so levied the only possible sanction 
for non-payment is the undesirable one of dismissal. However, 
the same financial penalties are safely applied in the library 
where the withdrawal of reading privileges can always operate 
against delinquents without disturbing their membership in the 
association proper. 



114 Library Hints 

ten, both the card and the book-mark are de- 
stroyed. 

Fortunately, the smooth transaction of business 
suffers but little when the member returns without 
the detached stub. In that event recourse must be 
had to the card Itself, which will be quickly Identi- 
fied by either the book-number or the boy's name 
(both having been inscribed) ; then (as the card 
has been marked with the date on which the volume 
was loaned) matters can move as before. 

And, finally, the present scheme stands loyally 
by the management whenever Master Book-lover's 
uncontrollable affection for good reading may have 
prevented him from reappearing with the bor- 
rowed print at all. This situation enables the card 
to pose at its best, for it bears the name of the miss- 
ing litterateur, the number of the book concerned, 
and the date of Its departure; — In fact all the in- 
formation needful for proceedings toward recover- 
ing the property. 

SECTION IV — A RULE OF CHRISTIAN LIFE APPLIED 

Besides the charge of a penny or so for the loss 
of the book-mark, protective fines may be advisably 
placed against such transgressions as damaging the 
extra cover, retaining the book beyond the allotted 
time, or returning it In an injured condition. 

The "extra cover" just mentioned and Its at- 
tendant regulation are helpful to a degree worthy 
of special explanation. By simply supplying the 
books with temporary paper apparel and watch- 
fully shielding the latter from harm, the manage- 
ment does a great deal toward safeguarding the 



A Rule of Christian Life Applied 115 

prints themselves. We have here something of a 
repetition of the principle by which people busy 
combating venial sin are saved from mortal; the 
boys, having become Intent on respectful handling 
of mere flimsy extra covers, Instinctively treat the 
things covered as If of sacred character. 

Lastly It Is clear that culprits can not be dis- 
ciplined for returning loans In bad condition If 
given any possible ground for affirming that the 
same were damaged when received. Hence the 
greatest care should be taken that no book goes 
out in a condition forbidden the books In their 
home-coming. 

Vigilance in this regard should extend beyond 
the volumes themselves to their paper life-pre- 
servers, the extra covers. The latter, be it noted, 
are permanently kept without trouble at the very 
acme of cheap respectability. A couple of gentle 
assistants will cut, fold, paste, and number a dozen 
of them in ten minutes, and this without becoming 
at all too busy for a pleasant, companionable chat 
on passing events. 



CHAPTER XII 
INDOOR FUN 

SECTION I FOR THE LONG WINTER NIGHTS 

In addition to whatever else may be done it 
seems necessary for success to institute occasional 
indoor entertainments of some kind or other. 
Boys, as long as they are united, burn with chronic 
fever for fun "in a crowd," and stand eager to fur- 
nish the crowd if only somebody will supply mate- 
rial and place for the fun. Summer outings are 
often accorded this popular demand, but these af- 
ford the cause lesser help for the reason that they 
must be held while meetings are suspended. 
Throughout the great northern belt of this country, 
anyway, the reunions, to have any notable recruit- 
ing and upbuilding efficiency, must be of the cold 
weather type co-existent with our cold weather re- 
ligious exercises; and consequently need to be held 
under a roof. 

As many as three or four a year of these indoor 
fun-gathering rallies are likely to be found indis- 
pensable. Obviously athletic meets, if there be an 
armory or other suitable covered place available, 
can supply excellently well. Frequently the pre- 
ferred plan is that of having a few of the members 
prepare some sort of stage performance for pres- 
entation before their companions and, perhaps, 
grown friends. Never having made trial of this 
proceeding the writer can not offer any hints In Its 

ii6 



*^Homemade" Amusement 117 

favor. On the other hand, many a priest will feel 
quite unable to make his clients self-sustaining in 
this particular. 

Should it be found necessary to utilize the work 
of professionals, very satisfactory results may 
sometimes be obtained by turning the entire society 
into a "theater party" with the top gallery of some 
reputable playhouse for its objective, where, 
perched as in a choice aerie, the visitors enjoy a 
minstrel show or other congenial performance. It 
may be remarked that, on such occasions, admission 
is likely to be obtained at rates greatly reduced in 
view of the number of boys concerned, together 
with their advertising effect on the grown-up ele- 
ment of the congregation. 

SECTION II — ^'homemade" AMUSEMENT 

Meanwhile, a form of entertainment which, if 
permitted by circumstances, richly demands recom- 
mendation is had by gathering the crowd, not be- 
fore a stage, but around a floor space or "pit" to 
be treated to anything obtainable in the line of 
songs, dances, sketches, etc.; these features being 
interspersed with games of more or less athletic 
cast held by the members themselves in the same 
"arena."^ This combination of dramatics and odd 
sports is eminently acceptable to our young friends, 
who like nothing better than an arrangement mak- 
ing them at one moment close-range spectators of 
theatricals and at the next principals or enthusiastic 
backers in doings of their own. 

*The games here suggested are not deeds of speed and 
prowess, but rather burlesques on the same. In the appendix 
of this volume will be found descriptions of a few specimens 
with which the writer has often seen boys splendidly occupied. 



1 1 8 Indoor Fun 

Whoever may set out to utilize the games here 
contemplated will find them at the start so inspir- 
ing as to stand in no need of prizes in order to win 
participants in abundance. However, the reverend 
manager should not let himself be thereby misled to 
rely on the games as being permanently able to re- 
tain the fulness of their early popular standing. 
On the contrary such exercises quickly lose much of 
their entertaining vigor; and still they always re- 
main acceptable enough, at least with the backing 
of a few small material incentives, to serve as a 
good second to the dramatic features of the even- 
ing. 

Meanwhile economy is of course consulted. For 
while the present form of entertainment will in 
the long run demand professional performers, it 
will never call for them in anything like the num- 
ber that would be necessary were the audience of 
no assistance to itself. 

SECTION III — PALATIAL DENS 

The question of providing a place for the fore- 
going doings will be all the more confidently ap- 
proached if one fully realizes that he can manage 
with very little space, whether horizontal or perpen- 
dicular. As the writer has seen, the floor used by 
competitors and performers answers If thirty feet 
by fifteen (even a smaller allowance might do), 
and nine hundred square feet, besides supplying the 
required ''arena" and a comer for an elderly but 
indispensable piano, can be made to accommodate 
seats (a special construction in tiers) for more than 
one hundred and fifty spectators. 



Palatial Dens 119 

As there is no way of getting on with imper- 
fectly accommodated youngsters jostling one an- 
other in order to see the "sights," large attendance 
demands an arrangement placing the audience in 
rows rising one above the other. This order can be 
obtained offhand by a circle of benches filled with 
spectators at whose feet a second set is placed, in 
oriental style, on the floor. To be sure in the pres- 
ent instance nobody arriving for the lower place 
can build much on hearing the invitation ^'ascende 
superius*' ; nevertheless, under the circumstances 
there will be no complaint. The construction of 
permanent seats is hardly justified save in places 
where an abundance of dramatic talent can perma- 
nently supply needful support. When this ad- 
vantage is enjoyed, "opera chairs" of ideal solidity 
are provided by a repetition en petite of the base- 
ball bleachers/ 

There is much further encouragement in the 
fact that the height of our "theater" does not 
matter; eight feet will suffice. It may be calmly 
conceded that resulting conditions will not be 
superlatively hygienic, but after all they do no 
more than make the boys temporarily as badly 
off as many of their number permanently are 
in their own wretched homes. Then again, one 
may licitly prescind a bit from the question of 
health when promoting such fun as in turn 
promotes religion, which promotes morality, which 
finally advances corporal well-being far better 

^This observatory may better be low (with at most five or 
six seating surfaces) and long rather than high and short. The 
comfort of spectators will be sufficiently assured by making 
each seating surface twelve inches in height by eighteen in 
width. 



120 Indoor Fun 

than can be accomplished through superior 
ventilation. 

Besides it is to be taken into account that the 
games learned at our entertainments are destined to 
be repeated elsewhere and with wholesome results. 
After your evening's Indoor fun is over its restless 
spirit survives in vacant lots, back yards, side 
streets, and other boyish Elysian vales; and, while 
purging these resorts of idleness — the mischief 
maker for both body and soul — fills them with ac- 
tive sports helpful to muscle and nerve. Accord- 
ingly, the worthy director responsible for sublime 
transactions in lowly quarters ought not to feel at a 
loss for words of self-defense; it should be a suf- 
ficient answer for critics that the boys, as soon as 
they get in, will surely "raise the roof." 

Add to the foregoing considerations, that with 
juveniles the appearance of their rendezvous, 
whether exterior or interior, counts for absolutely 
nothing, while awkwardness of access only swells 
the charm, and in many a rectory it will be asked 
whether the youngsters of the parish can not be 
made at home In some basement, outbuilding, or 
loft never before dreamed of as being adequate. 
Don Bosco, that eminent, saintly friend of the 
young, held his first indoor rallies in a deserted 
barn, thereby supplying a very encouraging object- 
lesson for all who are engaged in his work. Pro- 
vide no matter what covered refuge able merely 
to keep some heat in and most of the weather out; 
equip it with plenty of light and with facilities for 
the enjoyment of the muscular, the spectacular, and 
the vernacular, and dazzled by these advantages 
your guests will hardly know whether their sur- 



Pollux Exonerated 121 

roundings bespeak the rudeness of a shed or the 
splendors of an Alhambra. 

Indeed an out-of-the-way location carries with it 
the advantage of freeing the amusement seekers 
to indulge in uproar, the cultivation of which is 
one of their leading specialties. Boys crowded to- 
gether dearly love lung exercise with whatever 
noisy accompaniments may be available, and if re- 
strained in this particular are much in the position 
of adult rollickers invited to make merry in whis- 
pers. Consequently Bedlam-making, while it will 
hardly be countenanced by modern Lord Chester- 
fields, can be justly rated as helpful as it is inex- 
pensive. Rejoice, therefore, I would confidently 
whisper, to the directors heroic enough to suffer for 
the cause, when the rising din has become deafen- 
Ingly terrific; and should your stentors seem to be 
at all dilatory in attaining to ideal unearthliness, 
pass around a score or two of fish horns and hold 
your ears. 

SECTION IV — POLLUX EXONERATED 

Sparring, which can be very helpful to indoor 
amusement, seems to be under condemnation 
chiefly because of its supposed contribution to the 
pugnacity already sufficiently developed in the 
junior American church militant. It may well be 
doubted, however, whether any reasonable person 
who has actually seen the pastime tested among 
boys will ban it on the ground just noticed. 

Experience shows that softly padded gloves, 
which of course are the only ones to be used, tem- 
porarily melt all native beUIgerency into the most 



122 Indoor Fun 

innocent appreciation for *'rough and tumble" fun. 
So fully is this the case that the "promoter" may 
keep the fistic ring in service year after year with- 
out ever being called upon to deal with the slightest 
indication of ill will. Indeed it is a fact, exceed- 
ingly surprising probably to most opponents of the 
sport, that, when volunteer boy-boxers emerge 
from the crowd and don the gloves for a *'set to" 
in the presence of their merry companions, they 
almost invariably prove to be close chums who 
were seated side by side and have risen to try 
conclusions simply as part of their friendly Inter- 
course. 

Neither is the diversion, surrounded with ordi- 
nary precautions, to be considered a menace to bod- 
ily safety. Two or three rounds occurring in a space 
clear of all obstructions can produce nothing worse 
than the optical shading which a red-blooded ju- 
venile contestant willingly receives for the chance 
of returning. Boxing, then, threatens no more 
serious Injury than attaches to any and every sport 
in which live boys care to engage; and it seems 
entirely proper to let them pummel one another to 
their hearts' content ; especially when, owing to in- 
direct spiritual results, the blows are felt chiefly 
by the enemy of their souls. 

SECTION V PERMANENT ENTERTAINMENT CARDS 

Assuming that events requiring the presentation 
of tickets are maintained, a distinct advantage 
seems assured by the use of permanent cards in- 
scribed with the name of the member concerned 
and admitting him to each and every occasion 



Permanent Entertainment Cards 123 

throughout his entire membership In the society. 
While a special ticket of the kind Imparts to any in- 
dividual entertainment something of the excluslve- 
ness so well appreciated by human nature, it Is of 
further help by serving as a synopslzed history and 
promise of similar events past and future which 
aids the youthful Imagination to magnify the fra- 
ternity's secular activity up to something encour- 
agingly larger than the reality. 

The plan of making the cards good *'for life" 
can be all the more cheerfully adopted for the rea- 
son that it fits In well with the system which at all 
events will probably have to be followed in their 
distribution. As a moment's reflection shows, 
method of some kind is necessary if tickets are to 
be passed smoothly Into the hands of a large throng 
of youthful claimants with assurance added that 
everybody is supplied properly and nobody beyond 
his due. Hence the director with this undertaking 
in prospect naturally turns to the evening meeting 
where he would have the cards delivered to the 
members keeping their regular places. 

Clearly the distribution, when thus effected, can 
not fail to act as a most stirring and desirable stim- 
ulus to attendance; however, it must be executed 
in a dignified manner worthy of the church in 
which, as I assume, all meetings are held. Conse- 
quently, the presentations need to be so safeguarded 
as to restrain outsiders from crowding in for booty 
and real members from striving to appropriate, 
for the benefit of the non-enrolled, more than the 
single favor that each genuine adherent Is expected 
to receive. Note that it is not sufficient to stand 
successfully against these tricksters when already in 



124 Indoor Fun 

action; the sacredness of the place demands that 
they be kept from even asserting themselves; ac- 
cordingly arrangements will have to be such as to 
show clearly beforehand that any attempt at inter- 
loping or plying the "grab game" must prove ab- 
solutely fruitless. Now the creation of this for- 
bidding prospect will hardly be effected unless, as 
a first essential, the tickets to be distributed are 
made to bear plainly the written names of their 
intended recipients; but if this precaution Is to be 
taken, the requisite labor In penmanship may bet- 
ter be spent once and for all on permanent cards 
than be repeated over and over for each special 
event. 

SECTION VI METHOD HELPS METHOD 

The remark may be appropriately made here 
that "ticket giving" in church gains splendid ad- 
ditional protection through enforcement of the rule 
(urged in Chapter XXIII) keeping each worshiper 
in a fixed seat. Where this system obtains, the 
printed objects to be presented may carry the pew 
numbers of the members concerned along with their 
names; the officer making distributions is then 
obliged to manipulate at a time only the six or eight 
cards belonging to the same seat and plainly as- 
signed to an equal number of visible, expectant own- 
ers installed therein. Under these favorable cir- 
cumstances he quickly transacts the delivery at a 
minimum danger of making the slightest mistake. 
Over and above the foregoing expedients, the 
writer has always prefaced his own presentations 
with an announcement forbidding argument with 
the officers and promising In return immediate at- 



Method Helps Method 125 

tentlon to any neglected lads who might report at 
the close of the meeting, and has then seen the 
distribution proceed, time and time again, wholly 
free from any objectionable talk or stir. 

Let me here observe In passing that, while fixed 
pews for members facilitate the delivery of 
permanent cards marked with the members' pew 
numbers, the latter system gives reciprocally Invalu- 
able support to the former. The fact that any 
cherished products of the society can not meet the 
assignees save in certain appointed places, suffices 
by itself to make the remembrance and occupancy 
of such appointed places a matter of sacred duty. 
With their belongings at stake boys always turn 
up where they themselves belong. 

It goes without saying that cards unavoidably 
committed to juvenile keeping for some little time 
preceding the dates of entertainments are thereby 
menaced with no Inconsiderable amount of wear 
and tear. For that reason It seems helpful to print 
on the cards themselves an Injunction, never obeyed 
with intemperate exactitude, that their storage must 
not be in the pockets, but at home. A still more 
effective safeguard for the over-popular objects Is 
to have them made of the strongest material 
obtainable. 



CHAPTER XIII 
THE BOYS' CLUB 

SECTION I — RARELY FOR IMMEDIATE PASTORAL 
DIRECTION 

It may seem but a slight step for a priest who 
has Instituted Indoor entertainments held at irreg- 
ular Intervals to pass on to the management of the 
"open house" maintained continuously on certain 
fixed nights and commonly called ''the club"; as a 
rule, nevertheless, the sacerdotal worker can be 
safely and strongly counseled against so doing. Ap- 
parently the reasons that dissuade do not hold for 
the housing of a society so small as to preserve a 
quasi-family spirit, but they do apply in full force 
wherever attempts are made to gather boys in large 
numbers. The point Intended Is that, while ordi- 
narily the clerical patron of the young can achieve 
the best of success without the club, he will find It 
almost certainly a heavy burden and probably even 
a source of occasional serious interference with his 
sacred ministry. 

It is not necessary to enlarge here on the first 
part of this contention; the demonstration of 
priestly efiiciency Is one of the objects of every- 
thing hitherto written and of pretty much all that 
follows. However, the clergyman's ability to dis- 
pense with the permanent amusement center Is not 
maintained for every locality; it may be that here 
and there the state of religious feeling prevents 

126 



Rarely for Immediate Pastoral Direction 127 

young people from being brought under salutary 
influences unless through the club. The view taken 
is that, in the United States, districts of the kind 
are very rare and that, under the conditions 
ordinarily prevailing, the priest boy-gatherer 
needs no permanent social base of operations 
whatever. 

The onerous character of the task, vouched for 
by those who, like the author, have undertaken it, 
ought to be readily conceded as necessarily result- 
ing from the constant presence of fickle, mischief- 
loving beneficiaries. Of course, under anything 
like normal conditions no Catholic clergyman ever 
dreams of becoming the "resident" manager of a 
large club; his plan is to govern through one or 
more lieutenants. Now, where these representa- 
tives assume full responsibility, the undertaking 
ipso facto passes from clerical to non-clerical con- 
trol, of which later; but lay workers, as long as 
they merely act for the priest, can not save him to 
any considerable extent. Even granting that the 
latter finds his adult aids trustworthy beyond all 
need of supervision, he soon discovers that only 
the direct personal influence of the man who "has 
the final say" prevents desirable boyish exhilaration 
from degenerating into deplorable excess, and for 
that reason alone will feel himself obliged to re- 
main in the club-rooms much of the time that they 
are open. 

Objection to the priest's control grows with the 
consideration that even his steady personal super- 
vision will not restrain youngsters from doings ne- 
cessitating more disciplinary action than the spirit- 
ual guide can safely exercise toward any of his 



128 The Boys' Club 

spiritual flock. It must be kept in mind that no 
matter how attractive the recreation place may be, 
some of the guests tire of it after a while and from 
then on, hke children abusing an over-familiar toy, 
find more satisfaction in upsetting and wrecking 
things than by putting them to legitimate use. 

If such visitors would only frankly declare their 
sentiments and quit, all would be well; but unfor- 
tunately mischief-making and general destructive- 
ness are to them a real pleasure; so they continue 
presenting themselves until visited with suspension. 
Now the measures sometimes to be necessarily 
taken for the enforcement of this penalty can have 
the unhappy effect of alienating offending boys and 
even their famihes from the priest, thus offsetting 
very considerably the good accomplished in other 
respects by the work. 

SECTION II INVITING TO ZEALOUS LAYMEN 

But the club, while usually offering the clerical 
worker no advantages and involving him betimes in 
serious difficulties, strongly commends itself in cer- 
tain localities to zealous and competent laymen. 
In fact, it is hardly conceivable that non-clerical 
boy-savers should find any other agency by which to 
bring young people within reach. It is not to be 
expected that lay workers will find themselves able 
to inaugurate largely attended religious meetings; 
they must lead by kindly personal intercourse and 
especially through catechetical instruction for Con- 
fession, First Communion, and Confirmation. Now 
the club-room furnishes the only available field for 
personal intercourse, while one of its corners or some 



Inviting to Zealous Laymen 129 

near-by apartment will always facilitate prepara- 
tions for the sacraments. 

Moreover, persons not engaged In the sacred 
ministry can mete out strict justice to unworthy 
juveniles without dread of bringing about dire 
spiritual loss. Let the religiously neglected lad 
become seriously angered with the priest and there 
is danger that, yielding to the suggestions of the 
Evil One, he may put aside all practice of his 
faith; when, however, his difficulty has been merely 
with a layman, serious results of the kind are little 
to be feared. 

No matter what his calling, the person who 
would successfully take any chief part in club work 
needs to be ready with warm practical Interest in 
boyish affairs, and must above all be a first-class dis- 
ciplinarian. A forward page postulating only 
ordinary power of control In directors treats solely 
of priests clothed with the prestige of their sublime 
office, and considers even these as occupied wholly 
apart from the permanent recreation center and its 
complications. But certainly. In the difficult under- 
taking now considered. If the best of natural ability 
to secure prompt obedience be wanting little can 
be accomplished by the clergyman and much less 
by any other. 

Meanwhile the author's contention that the nat- 
ural rulers of the recreation home are efficient lay- 
men does not by any means exclude the sacerdotal 
friend from all Important personal co-operation. 
Indeed the Ideal club administration is one in which 
non-clericals exercising full control and shouldering 
all responsibilities are supported by a zealous priest 
who, while making the rooms an often visited apos- 



130 The Boys' Club 

tolic field, is ever ready with his great influence to 
oil the waters of the little juvenile sea as soon as 
ever they are seen to be astir. 

SECTION III — WITH THE CLUB's OPPONENTS 

Two motives looking to the spiritual improve- 
ment of boys are found in the establishment of 
amusement centers; the first is simply that of re- 
moving juveniles from the evils of the street; its 
companion purpose is the higher one of leading 
juveniles to practise their religion. In my opinion 
the latter of these objects is of such superior rela- 
tive importance as to almost crowd the other out of 
consideration. Better equip a single lad to resist 
temptations of every kind and from now on, than 
merely shield a dozen from spiritual dangers which 
anyway they will soon have to face. This view 
indicates at once the answer to the question, "In 
what localities are clubs really necessary"? I re- 
ply, wherever there are boys in numbers who, un- 
less aided through that particular agency, will not 
grow to be practical Catholics. 

Nor is it true, though commonly urged, that 
in practice the great good here contemplated will 
be ruinously offset by a tendency on the part of the 
gathering place to weaken home life and accustom 
youngsters to spend their evenings more or less in 
the streets. Regarding this matter a first consid- 
eration is that, nowadays, wherever our spiritually- 
famished Catholic boys are to be had in numbers 
their living quarters are usually too straitened to 
offer shelter any longer than is absolutely needful; 
and too often the same boys, belonging as they do 



With the Club's Opponents 131 

to utterly careless families, are already the victims 
of parental neglect. It is, then, wide of the mark 
to argue that such young people ought not to be 
withdrawn from home life, for that advantage is 
one they do not and can not enjoy. The misery 
of wretchedly contracted house room and the 
weariness of overworked parents constitute the de- 
plorable beginnings of the evil; and when to these 
irreligion adds slovenliness, indifference, chronic 
bad temper, and drunken brutality the domesticity 
of the family abode is completely wrecked. 

In consequence, as soon as the evening meal is 
over, the chores run, and the coal up from the base- 
ment, the restless, noisy son of nominal Catholic 
toilers is fully conscious that the consent of those 
concerned commits him to the outer air; and too 
often the willing exile has reason to feel that his 
welcome back will be at its modest best after physi- 
cal activity will have fully prepared him for a quiet 
pillow. Is it not, then, regrettable that the solici- 
tude of worthy people for the preservation of home 
spirit where it does not and, practically speaking, 
can not exist should antagonize the club through 
which, by the promotion of practical religious life, 
the missing home spirit can be created? 

Nevertheless, there still remains this difficulty, 
that the amusement center will always manage to 
enforce its demands on at least a certain number 
of parents who are sufficiently alive to domestic pos- 
sibilities and would show conservatism if left to 
themselves. These reluctantly permit their dear 
ones to exchange the home for the club which the 
dear ones soon afterward exchange for the streets. 
But when the fathers and mothers in question nul- 



132 The Boys* Club 

lify other excellent parental endeavor by neglecting 
to give their offspring the spiritual training pro- 
vided by the club, the outcome just granted need 
not cause dismay. Assuredly a street boy with re- 
ligion in his heart is preferable to a home boy with 
none. 

SECTION IV — evening's SHADES BRIGHTENED 

This defense will gain strength if it can be 
shown, as the writer believes that, after dark, fre- 
quentation of public places, though admittedly un- 
favorable to juvenile morals, is by no means the 
dire menace conjured up by multitudes of honest 
minds. Indeed to hear the vigorous but vague 
denunciations of many worthies eager to ''shoo" 
all youngsters indoors evenings along with the 
chickens, it might be thought that some wholly in- 
explicable sinister influence deadly for youthful 
souls and bodies alike attaches to the moonbeams 
and starlight. But, after all, the dreaded mischief 
is nothing more than the tangible misfortune of 
exposure to adult bad example, together with re- 
moval from adult observation, and is readily in- 
vestigated. 

A glance at prevailing conditions reveals no 
foundation for the belief that during early night 
hours far more than at other moments, our young 
people will be corrupted in the streets by a freer 
display of vice then and there witnessed. No 
doubt it is after curfew time that drunkenness and 
impurity are most alive, but then, thank God, we 
are living in a land where the law enforces at least 
external respect for morality and does so about as 
effectively by night as by day. 



Where Sunlight is Darkness 133 

Neither is it to be admitted that juveniles in the 
earlier teens (those in the later teens will have the 
freedom of the streets anyway) are so exceedingly 
susceptible to near-by adult iniquity ; on the contrary 
they are not over-observant, much less inquisitive, 
regarding matters of the kind. Grouped into noisy 
fun-making gangs the restless chaps are so busy 
with their own affairs as to heed only slightly the 
sound of the too often filled glass clicking behind 
saloon doors, or overt suggestions of affairs still 
worse. 

SECTION V — WHERE SUNLIGHT IS DARKNESS 

But, even while boys abroad at the beginning of 
the night are largely shielded by police activity as 
well as by their own activity from the depravity of 
evil-doers, it will be objected that they nevertheless 
obtain very dangerous facilities for finding and fol- 
lowing devious ways of their own. In other words, 
the ordinary daylight observation exercised by 
older acquaintances generally is so much of a re- 
straint on the young that its presence or absence is 
held to differentiate the hours at which minors may 
or may not be safely away from the parental roof. 

Certainly, this criterion Is most justly applicable 
to reasonably-populated localities enjoying more or 
less of the village spirit of universal nelghborllness. 
In such communities, thanks to unrestricted ac- 
quaintanceship, everybody Is directly or indirectly 
in communication with everybody else. Conse- 
quently, whether by way of complaint, gossip, or 
friendly Interest, daylight misconduct Is promptly 
reported to parents or guardians while unseen 
wrongdoings of the night can not be so carried. 



134 The Boys' Club 

But, when we travel into the great crowded cities 
— the very places in which the club most easily finds 
its raison d'etre — this informal but natural and ef- 
fective union of all the elders for the protection of 
all the juniors is crippled by that modern blight, 
the social isolation of contiguous families. Such, 
indeed, is the prevalence of this enemy to domestic 
government that in our metropolis, for example, 
scarcely one adult citizen in six "knows" one in six 
of the boys of the block in the neighborly way 
requisite that news of mischief-making be for- 
warded directly or indirectly to the ears of the 
fathers and mothers concerned. Hence In our great 
modern human hives It Is vain to expect that ob- 
servation by the public will guard a junior practi- 
cally more by sunlight than after dark; for, on turn- 
ing the adjoining corner and at no matter what 
hour of the twenty-four, he begins to be as much 
removed from the parental ken as If transferred 
to some strange town. 

These considerations suffice, I trust, to free the 
prudently located club from the charge of antag- 
onizing the domestic abode. Its Invitations are 
addressed mainly to boys shut out from home life; 
and, should it occasionally draw young people 
from really protective family circles Into the elec- 
tric light of the city rambles, there is nevertheless 
great relief in reflecting that the dangers of the 
latter are far less than are often pictured; and, 
furthermore, that In the larger centers of popula- 
tion half of the evil — lack of neighborly notice and 
Intervention — Is, anyway, an ever present drawback 
to be steadily counteracted, of course; but hardly 
to be feared at 9.30 p.m. more than at noon. 



Evil-Doers Considered 135 

SECTION VI — EVIL-DOERS CONSIDERED 

The recreation place encounters new opposition 
from those who see in Its permanent full gather- 
ings constant opportunities for vicious youngsters 
by which to lead others astray. This view Influ- 
ences the writer to the extent that he would be in- 
clined to the measure, at once precautionary and 
deterrent, of excluding from the club some of the 
lads of bad life whose admission Into simple church 
societies he in a future chapter will defend. 

But, as critics urge that corrupt individuals, un- 
known as such, can not be debarred, It is proper to 
reply that the amusement center, while hurtful, ow- 
ing to the bad example of some who are below the 
spiritual average, is on the other hand helpful 
through the good example of some who are above 
the same. To which consideration add the hope 
that young profligates kept well occupied In the 
club may do less harm there than in idleness else- 
where. And finally the rendezvous, when manned 
by a sufficient number of whole-souled adults will- 
ing to mix freely with their charges, would seem 
really able to hold the apprehended evil In check. 



CHAPTER XIV 
CLUB HINTS 

SECTION I — THE PLACE AND ITS CHIEF MANAGER 

Let me here add something regarding certain 
important details of management. When estab- 
lishing a club, generous souls should remember that 
little is accomplished by those who overdo. A 
gathering place operating every night is very likely 
to prove too much of a burden for the workers 
themselves, besides risking that the guests will tire 
of the enterprise, and with troublesome results. A 
more prudent course, at least in the beginning, will 
be to offer hospitality on one, two, or three fixed 
nights weekly; and, no matter whether the "open 
door" be intermittent or permanent, I would al- 
ways be in manifest readiness to close should the 
need at any time arise of bringing young America 
to its senses. 

The club, especially if its evenings are frequent, 
will hardly enjoy the secure tenure of life unless its 
promoters command sufficient means for the ser- 
vices of at least one competent paid manager. 
This person, who before the boys anyway should 
be clothed with full power for dismissal, finds a 
business motive for being always present and so 
constitutes an unfailingly reliable source of su- 
pervision to which volunteer associates can add at 
will. Obviously the movement can not put for- 
ward more than a single administrative chief; and 

136 



The Reading Room 137 

whenever that leading domestic ruler may miss an 
evening the boys will be more or less inclined to 
"make a night of it." Hence the advisability of 
providing at least one thoroughgoing worker fitted 
to exercise supreme authority and compensated suf- 
ficiently to consider unbroken attendance a matter 
of strict obligation. To be sure, anybody who vol- 
unteers for this work is ipso facto a generous per- 
son; but faultless persevering association with a 
lot of youngsters regardless of other calls, demands 
creatures of heroic and, therefore, rarer mold. Bet- 
ter prospects, then, are assured If those who tender 
their services gratis enjoy both distrust of them- 
selves and financial resources rendering them will- 
ing and able to secure the Important help proposed. 
The more the recreation quarters lend them- 
selves to Instant and complete survey the better for 
discipline. When ideal In this respect they consist 
of a single sufficiently large room with neither re- 
cesses nor obstructions of any kind. Things merely 
ornamental should be banned. While powerless 
under the circumstances to accomplish any notice- 
able good, they would demand constant protection 
against vandalism. The club, like the ship stripped 
for action, should furnish in abundance whatever 
is necessary for the purpose In view, but absolutely 
nothing besides. 

SECTION II — THE READING ROOM 

The reading room or comer, conceived as an at- 
traction rather than an educational feature, admits 
some local religious and secular newspapers; but, 
with this much welcome accorded unadorned 



138 Club Hints 

prints, It holds so strictly to the primeval sources 
of literature as to accommodate only pictorials. 

We may be a bit surprised that depicted scenes 
thoroughly engage youngsters not especially inter- 
ested in the originals represented, and that jokes 
imperfectly understood but elaborately fitted out in 
red and yellow should move the same parties to in- 
tense glee; however, the why and wherefore of 
such puzzles are the boys' own affairs. Present con- 
siderations deal with only the helpful fact that il- 
lustrated matter, serious as well as comic, is very 
highly appreciated by patrons in well-ventilated 
knickerbockers whose scholastic attainments cover 
little more than the twenty-six membered key with 
which the treasures of English are unlocked. 

Meanwhile the belongings of the "literary" de- 
partment need to be securely fastened in place ; this 
as a precaution against the destructive energy of 
rival claimants as well as against the boyish mania 
of ultilizing all things movable for the bombard- 
ment of all things stationary. Indeed, when the 
more popular publications are concerned, the same 
protective measure is dictated by the bed-rock eco- 
nomical reason that in olden times justified the 
practice of chaining Bibles to the churches. 

SECTION III — THE GYMNASIUM AND THE MUSICAL 
DEPARTMENT 

Dumb-bells, Indian clubs, and other "throw- 
ables," if provided for the club, should be under 
lock and key when not in real use. Left at large 
they entail more watching than their services are 
worth. Neither should any gymnastic objects that 



Gymnasium and Music 139 

are easily injured be put into steady commission. 
Even the fist-loving punching bag fails as a perma- 
nent feature ; It thrives on the hardest of blows but 
dies from the prick of a pin. 

In fact, only irremovable and practically Inde- 
structible means of physical exercise should be 
permanently supplied. Fortunately, apparatus of the 
kind and of essential importance Is of such compara- 
tively small bulk as to be accommodated in strait- 
ened quarters. The entire town and Its suburbs will 
hardly do the boys for their ordinary daily allow- 
ance of bodily exertion, but the luxuries of corporal 
activity — a few rings, ropes, and ladders — like 
most other delicacies, occupy little space. If possible 
the collection should Include traveling rings, the 
horizontal bar, and a tumbling mat.^ But perhaps 
no other apparatus can rank with that narrow-gage 
railway to athletic glory, the parallel bars. Fre- 
quently they are seen surrounded by supple per- 
formers awaiting turn to twist themselves into 
weird, mysterious shapes worthy of place In acro- 
batic dreamland. 

As the gamut Is a splendid promoter of club 
liveliness, workers will always do what they can 
toward providing music or any plausible ap- 
proaches to the same. At least mouth organs and 
*'cordeens" will be available and these crude enter- 

^A second-hand common mattress will answer if protected as 
follows : Secure for it a blanket made of the heaviest canvas, 
the strips of which must be connected with strong material, 
preferably shoemakers' waxed ends. If this cover, which prac- 
tically never wears out, be thrown loosely over the mattress it 
will shield the latter from all injury. The cushion thus ob- 
tained stands any amount of jumping even by boys in every- 
day rough shoes; and, consequently, obviates the need of the 
gymnasium slippers demanded for tumbling mats used in the 
ordinary way. 



140 Club Hints 

talners, combining with the "bones" to burlesque 
the stately ideals of harmony, lead many an im- 
promptu terpsichorean shuffle which, be it single 
or double, neat or clumsy, never fails of creating 
general delight and thunderous applause. Vocal 
outbursts are very likely to depend on the presence 
of a piano (it can serve even with notes cracked 
and out of tune, but should be protected when off 
duty by removable wooden outworks) and of the 
sometimes less easily found player. However, 
when once well rallied, the songsters by their 
vociferousness give reciprocal inspiration to this 
leader, moving him to energetic action which needs 
all the more to be seen for the reason that it can 
not possibly be heard. 

SECTION IV ^AMUSEMENTS OF INJURED 

REPUTATION 

I am going to offer some defense for billiards, 
pool, and cards; games which, in connection with 
boys, are regarded by many as decidedly under a 
cloud. But at least the very arraignment of these 
diversions is complimentary to their entertaining 
power; for unless valuable in that respect, they 
could never have acquired the popularity in sport- 
ing circles that constitutes the head and front of 
their offending. 

Now we should certainly go slowly in depriving 
the club of any attraction in itself harmless even 
though the same be elsewhere closely associated 
with evil. No matter what may be done for the 
promotion of religion, regrettable indirect out- 
comes are always possible; even the performance 
of sacred rights may occasion blasphemy; accord- 



Concerning Card Play at the Club 141 

Ingly It Is licit to further our cause by any legit- 
imate means outdoing whatever evil indirectly re- 
sults. 

This rule sustains the accused games. They are 
most helpful toward filling the recreation house 
and on the other hand there is no solid ground for 
believing that their reign there can lead more than 
a small percentage of the participants to follow a 
downward path. For, if a handful of the club's 
e.g., card-players have developed into saloon 
habitues or professional gamblers, it is but fair to 
exonerate the place Itself of all responsibility for 
the larger half of the unfortunate group; these, 
even had they never been members, would have 
been led by other Influences to finish In exactly the 
same way. 

Not to look further. It Is, as all know, the com- 
mon thing for little chaps hardly in their teens to 
practise card-playing freely in and about their own 
homes. Assuredly, then, these early experts need 
no opportunities elsewhere In order to drift into 
steady gambling, if so disposed. 

SECTION V — CONCERNING CARD PLAY AT THE 
CLUB 

And now for a couple of hints to managers by 
whom the paper kings and queens may be permitted 
to exercise sway. Good order and appearances will 
be considered by obliging the players to supply 
their own packs. The proprietors, then, care for 
their respective collections which otherwise will too 
often be found toward the close of the evening lit- 
tering the tables and floor. 



142 Club Hints 

But a far more Important detail Is met In the task 
of guarding against gambling. It Is Idle to sup- 
pose that cards can be used In the club without in- 
spiring underhand recourse to this practice; and, 
as the same could easily reach such proportions as 
to seem tacitly countenanced, vigilant ceaseless re- 
pression Is called for. Fortunately, however, those 
of the shufflers and dealers who go astray In this re- 
spect Immediately supply unconscious but suffi- 
ciently clear signs of their misdoing. As long as 
the game is "for fun," careless gaiety shows Itself 
in the laughter and unrestrained banter of the 
players; but let nickels be placed at stake, and at 
once this holiday freedom of bearing yields to 
silence and a "business is business" air which ex- 
tends even to the near-by spectators and affords 
ample evidence of a struggle for the relief of the 
sacra atiri fames. 

Meanwhile, our erring young friends are so en- 
tirely unmindful of this change of front as to go on 
betraying themselves just as long as the superinten- 
dent may keep the nature of his telltale evidence 
secret. Consequently it is not well that delinquents 
be accused as If certainly In fault. A positive charge 
demands the actual production of proof which in 
this case is far better withheld. 

Under the circumstances one may preferably 
have recourse to the following policy. It Is kept 
before the members that cards will have to be for- 
bidden altogether unless dissociated from gambling 
and that the latter practice Is one that can not be 
held In check unless dealt with on suspicion. For 
this reason the rule is established that no boy may 
engage in the game save with his full consent to 



The Other O fenders 143 

be excluded from the tables In case he should, even 
though guiltless, be thought an offender. This un- 
derstanding effects that gamblers can always be 
promptly disciplined without any revelation of "de- 
tective methods" and with no questions asked. The 
latter advantage is of importance, for the boys' 
guide will as rarely as possible place them In such 
a position that fibbing seems the only means of 
escape. 

SECTION VI THE OTHER OFFENDERS: BIL- 
LIARDS AND POOL 

Billiards and pool present over and above the 
general defense just offered a special apology of 
their own. The latter games are not, like cards, 
able to serve pleasure-seekers as a lasting pastime 
but are self-checking and, as a rule, pall with use. 
An explanation of this fact is easily supplied. 
Amusements devoid of muscular features, if they 
are to permanently suit ordinary masculine taste, 
must turn on chance; but that element presents It- 
self at the cushioned green for novice players only. 
*'01d hands,'* on the contrary, find in their more or 
less perfect control of the rolling ivories an unwel- 
come suggestion of skilled labor. 

But Inability to please permanently does not re- 
strain these diversions from drawing temporary 
patrons in great numbers ; indeed, billiards and pool 
have their day to the extent that hardly any city 
youth enters upon manhood without at least trying 
his hand at the cue. Certainly, then, the Inevitable 
experiment is promisingly made during the earlier 
teens and in the club, where many a young fellow 



144 Cliih Hints 

tires of these games and so forestalls enticements 
to dangerous resorts that the games would other- 
wise create later on. 

"When a fellow has learned to make good shots 
the fun Is about over," was the pithy statement of 
the situation once made by a fifteen-year-old hlase 
of the cue. Assuredly It Is satisfactory that this 
youthful Immune from billiard and pool tables had 
made himself such amidst the safe surroundings of 
the writer's club. Like many another he might 
have waited longer, "gone further, and fared 
worse." 

What has just been written will warn the mana- 
ger not to count on the present pastimes for a con- 
tinuance in full of the very large helpfulness they 
(especially pool) afford during the first season or 
two. And still, in this matter, the boys' establish- 
ment will never have to Imitate the young men's 
club which is often obliged to remove the tables as 
having degenerated into mere encumbrances. 
When placed before the younger set the present 
games, though continually jilted by former ad- 
mirers, steadily make enough friends among 
the green newcomers to remain in permanent 
operation. 

They thus become of lasting assistance by oc- 
cupying both the players and a much larger number 
of spectators, while adding to the rooms the lively 
cheerfulness of the clicking balls and of audible In- 
terest in their movements. Indeed no large club can 
cope with the double task of drawing subjects and 
maintaining discipline unless, by means akin to that 
just noted, it is able to impress visitors as being a 
place in which there Is always "something doing." 



Filling the Exchequer 145 

SECTION VII FILLING THE EXCHEQUER 

If order be maintained so that games can oper- 
ate without interruption, pool play (and billiards, 
probably) is easily turned into a source of revenue. 
Rather we might say that its services in that respect 
are forced on the administration, for a small 
charge to be paid by losers is necessary as adding 
zest to the game while preventing the cues of rival 
would-be participants from assuming the perpen- 
dicular of strife rather than the horizontal of 
peaceful endeavor. However, the successful 
maintenance of this tax entails the placing of an 
ever present and, therefore, paid assistant, atten- 
tive to details and especially to the debts — they 
should be limited to a dime or two — which our 
temporarily embarrassed capitalists must be al- 
lowed to contract. 

It Is fully understood that this proceeding will 
fail of suiting many who, in organizing the young, 
have for a leading object the inculcation of saving 
habits. However, even such philanthropists must 
admit that spendthrifts will have to be trapped 
before being reformed and that financially 
equipped captives are held imperfectly, if at all, 
unless through some agency relieving them of their 
pennies. 

There Is considerable significance In the fact that 
the pocket of the beardless ^'submerged tenth" Is 
the only portion of Its raiment kept In repair; and 
be assured the small coin that so often accumulates 
surprisingly in those receptacles burns with steady 
desire for attractions that were far better shunned. 
Scruple In the above matter ought, then, to disap- 



146 Club Hints 

pear before the consideration that the "well-to-do" 
of our city undergrowth are quick in finding at the 
club either an outlet for their money or an outlet 
for themselves. 

Meanwhile, there is nothing to prevent practical 
encouragement to thrift from operating side by 
side with "pay games"; only let there be no heart- 
break over the possible failure of this or of kindred 
educational efforts provided the "wedding" be 
"filled with guests" most of whom will be found, 
by the coming "King," sufficiently clothed. 



CHAPTER XV 

THE FINANCIAL QUESTION :— ITS ECO- 
NOMIC SIDE 

SECTION I — A PROBLEM THAT CAN NOT BE 
IGNORED 

In transferring attention to the common- 
place subject of material support for boys' unions, 
we undeniably step to a lower plane but not without 
receiving implied approbation from the highest 
possible authority. "Which of you," our divine 
Master has said, "having a mind to build a tower, 
doth not first sit down and reckon the charges that 
are necessary, whether he have wherewithal to fin- 
ish it?" 

Now the circumspection here recommended is al- 
most certainly required whenever God's own "tow- 
ers," whether in the material or the social order, 
are to be built ; their erection for the benefit of the 
world presupposes as a rule some of the world's 
money-leverage. And this is unreservedly true of 
flourishing juvenile church organizations. It is ut- 
ter blindness to suppose that the common run of 
youngsters are prepared, like many of their elders, 
to unite inexpensively for the sole purpose of hold- 
ing meetings characterized by nothing more costly 
than prayers. Without cost you can not have at- 
tractions ; without attractions you can not have the 
boys. 

It follows, then, much as we might wish the con- 
147 



148 The Financial Question — Economic Side 

trary, that the plainest of business details pertain- 
ing to the maintenance of juvenile religious or- 
ganizations most rightfully claim place In these 
pages ; for anybody who alms at encouraging work- 
ers Is under constraint to show that the society's 
debit page need not carry any disquieting figures 
and that Its credit page can be sufficiently and easily 
filled. 



And since, by the very fact of entering upon the 
present matter, I am convicted of having In a way 
"talked shop," an actual glance at the prices of 
things can not take this book Into the literary base- 
ment much further than it has already gone. Ac- 
cordingly, I would. In company with profoundly 
practical readers, note the market values of recrea- 
tive articles that preceding pages have proposed. 

If my various drawing features be taken in the 
order of their expense, the ones likely to prove 
most menacing to the purse, and which, conse- 
quently, deserve first attention, are those entitled 
**gifts." However, any objects that are to serve 
as presents to boys, since they will be used in 
quantities, can generally be obtained at wholesale 
prices.^ Thus, for example, a dealer In skates, 
moved by charity or by even business motives, re- 
ceives sodality lads arriving successively and with 
the necessary certificate In hand, fits them out ac- 
cording to the sizes required, and afterward sends 

^When there is question of receiving presents of baseballs or 
bats, our young friends, even if well advanced in their teens, 
are nearlj' as well pleased with articles of boys' size as with the 
more expensive ones. 



Additional Business Matters 149 

the management a bill in which the articles sup- 
plied are charged by the dozen. 

In particular, tickets admitting to the baseball 
and other athletic fields ought to be secured at 
largely reduced rates. The men In charge of pub- 
lic sports are always disposed to encourage junior 
spectatorship ; our younger brethren take up but 
little room, are always stanch supporters of the 
home team, and give the games no end of advertise- 
ment about town. Hence the common practice of 
issuing half-price tickets for boys. Hence, further- 
more, the fair prospect that a leader having a large 
number of youngsters in his following will secure 
from the managers of the local diamond, especially 
in any smaller town, a very considerable reduction 
from the already reduced boys' rates. 

SECTION III — ADDITIONAL BUSINESS MATTERS 

Turning to the evening parade, we encounter at 
the outset a comparatively heavy item in the requis- 
ite stock of tin torches. Stamping works can sup- 
ply them at two or three dollars a dozen, but a suf- 
ficient number of these being once provided, the re- 
maining expenses of a night outing for say three 
hundred paraders are by no means onerous. Five 
dollars' worth of kerosene illuminates to the very 
skies, while one person working perhaps three or 
four days is able to fill and afterward empty the 
torch-cans. Add to the foregoing a little something 
for odds and ends, and it will be seen that for fif- 
teen or twenty dollars, exclusive of musicians' 
charges, the organizer can send forth a small army 
of braves in battle array. 



150 The Financial Question — Economic Side 

General athletics, depending as they do on the 
active limbs and tireless lungs of youth, bear finan- 
cial scrutiny admirably. Conducted in an offhand 
fashion, field sports involve an outlay so slight as 
to hardly merit calculation. To be sure prizes are 
always required, but these are usually obtainable in 
the form of donations. Meanwhile, the same con- 
tests occurring with some pomp and circumstance 
indoors on a long winter evening will justify an ad- 
mission charge for the relatives and friends of the 
boys and hence can easily be looked to for more 
than the payment of expenses. 

And this good word regarding general athletics 
is to be repeated in favor of badges ; the latter arti- 
cles, when of comparatively inexpensive quality, 
can hardly be used along the lines indicated as mak- 
ing them acceptable and helpful to boys, without, 
ipso facto, yielding some little profit. Thus, for 
instance, two of the three celluloid buttons adopted 
by the author are obtainable at about thirteen dol- 
lars a thousand. It is, then, clear that any selling 
prices sufficient to enhance such ornaments in the 
eyes of the wearers, must greatly exceed what the 
ornaments will have cost. Furthermore, a rising 
scale of prices, if adopted in order to set off differ- 
ent varieties of a graded emblem, will necessarily 
swell the profits. 

We can, therefore, close this section with the 
cheering reflection that there is such a thing as find- 
ing an occasional attraction which will not only do 
for itself, but may actually contribute toward the 
maintenance of the rest. 



'* Paying the Piper'* 151 

SECTION IV "paying THE PIPER" 

How much will It all cost? Unfortunately, a 
definite answer to this very Important question Is 
impossible; the "sinking fund" must vary with 
local circumstances. 

One patron enjoys facilities for free outings or 
entertainments which a brother worker can secure 
only on a business basis. Or again, some leaders 
are so placed that they can manage by means of 
certain attractions obtainable at cheap rates, while 
others find themselves forced to use Inducements 
that are more costly. Then the situation changes 
with progress made In rendering the religious meet- 
ings themselves congenial to the members. Ac- 
cordingly as this triumph Is achieved, natural at- 
tractions are less needful and their cost becomes of 
lesser consequence. And, finally, there arises oc- 
casionally the rare magnetic man (not addressed 
here — simply in my way as usual) who gathers 
boys at the very lowest price, that is by the attrac- 
tion of his own winning words. 

But while these varied conditions forbid the ac- 
ceptance of any definite outlay as uniform In the 
societies, the writer believes that the maximum of 
annual "living expenses" need never be more than 
a dollar a boy. This statement is made confidently 
enough by one whose own adherents — four hundred 
of them — are kept in wedded bliss with their or- 
ganization at half of the figure just given. 

The above calculation looks to a sufficiency of 
attractive features whether selected from those of 
the present pages or found elsewhere. It covers 
also the current expenses for printing, mailing, etc., 



152 The Financial Question — Economic Side 

necessitated by the society's religious work. But 
the estimate does not provide for such items as 
heating and lighting nor for the outlay occasioned 
by quasi-permanent articles that must be purchased 
once and for all — an equipment of torches or li- 
brary books, fittings for entertainment place, club- 
rooms, and so on. 

SECTION V — charity's STUMBLING-BLOCKS 

It is hoped that this view of the financial situa- 
tion is reassuring to those who, in reading my plans 
for campaigning against Satan, have been murmur- 
ing, ^'nervos belli, pecuniam infinitamJ^ A dollar 
— more or less — a boy is, after all, a passably 
small expenditure even did the boy himself make 
no contribution thereunto. And certainly that sum 
is little enough to sacrifice for the privilege of 
easily forming Christian men. It is a price, more- 
over, which in view of the material church support 
to be given later by these men, should, from even 
a quasi-business viewpoint, constitute a good 
investment. 

However, to repeat an earlier admission, it may 
seldom happen that tyros gathered in accordance 
with present methods will achieve self-support. 
And here I would not wish to seem unconscious of 
the difficulty organizers must nowadays find in ob- 
taining, at least from the general Catholic public, 
any supplementary financial aid which may be need- 
ful. The cause of our young friends does not ap- 
peal with great force to the great majority of those 
excellent souls who give habitually toward church 
undertakings, and whose generously small but nu- 



Charity's Stumbling-Blocks 153 

merous contributions are the congregation's main 
support. 

One reason for this apathy is that the boys' so- 
ciety, even while in point of fact steadily attaching 
its members to their religion and to the use of the 
sacraments, makes but feeble approach to the ideal 
set up for it by well-disposed ordinary minds. The 
common run of good people, overrating the signifi- 
cance of orderly external conduct on the part of 
juveniles, imagine that if any spiritual good is be- 
ing really accomplished in rough, mischievous 
youngsters, it must necessarily appear in their gen- 
tler and more thoughtful deportment. 

This test is, of course, absurdly false; and the 
worker who hopes by creating a large group of 
small saints, to meet it, is one the bright green of 
whose inexperience must quickly turn to the bluest 
of chagrin. When young fellows are banded to- 
gether, there is always enough constant disorder 
on the part of the mischievous ones and enough 
intermittent mischief on the part of the orderly 
ones, that the entire contingent, no matter how 
much really raised heavenward, will to most ob- 
servers never be elsewhere than under a cloud. 
Hence, a serious difficulty in securing from the rank 
and file of the faithful any notable material sup- 
port for juvenile fraternities — the boys are never 
"up to the mark." 

But a more radical difficulty lies in the way; it is 
that the very idea of special attentions to city male 
juniors is appreciated by only a thoughtful few. 
It seems really very strange, but, as intercourse 
with loyal lay brethren demonstrates, the bulk of 
practical Catholics in America little realize the ac- 



154 The Financial Question — Economic Side 

tual growing defection of our men from religious 
duties; they, consequently, fall to appreciate the 
dread menace to the entire American church of the 
future which this defection Implies. 

Much less do the bulk of our God-fearing people 
bring the peril home to themselves, as one to which 
their own offspring are exposed. Indeed, well- 
informed and excellent Catholic fathers and mothers 
of boys, even when aware that a large proportion 
of our masculine adults are dropping all practice of 
the Faith, very frequently fail to take In the situa- 
tion largely enough to counteract the suggestions of 
parental pride. The danger, as contemplated by 
these observers, threatens not their own sweet, de- 
vout, and promising little fellows, but awaits other 
people's little fellows, not nearly so sweet, devout, 
and promising — as everybody can plainly see. 

At the present moment, then, boy-saving en- 
deavor Is unfortunately far from having gained Its 
due place In the Catholic heart. The work is com- 
monly underrated as If a more or less laudable un- 
dertaking of merely secondary Importance, and Is 
rarely recognized as being what It really Is — one 
of our essential preservatives against general ship- 
wreck. Accordingly, some verbal applause Is the 
best encouragement to juvenile societies that most 
of our zealous brethren are now ready to give. In 
favor of such societies, people readily open their 
lips; their purses less easily. 

Furthermore, even among those who realize that 
city boys ought to be religiously banded together, 
some utterly fail to take in the financial phase of 
the situation. There Is a frequently-accepted view 
that pious societies, if not an actual source of rev- 



Encouraging Facts 155 

enue to their respective church-homes, should al- 
ways be at least self-supporting. Doubtless this 
ruling justly holds, generally speaking, when there 
Is question of fraternities for grown people, but 
certainly it proves inapplicable to bodies enrolling 
only boys. 

Even the pastors of souls occasionally make the 
mistake here indicated. The writer has known 
more than one priest (by no means wanting In gen- 
erosity nor resources but simply misled by the 
above habitual way of viewing things) to abstain 
from ever adding the encouragement of a single 
dollar to the small sums which the organized 
juniors of his parish could raise. 

Let us not, In this all-Important afFair, be "penny 
wise and pound foolish." Boys In their teens, 
though adults in embryo, are not adults; and, as 
regards their needs, resources, and requisite treat- 
ment, boys differ from adults about as much as If, 
belonging to a different genus rationale, they had 
fallen to us from some planet far removed. 

SECTION VI — ENCOURAGING FACTS 

These views, contributed toward a more alert 
Catholic understanding of things, should dis- 
hearten no one who must seek charitable aid for the 
object proposed. Prospects are much Improved by 
the reflection that In every community there will be 
found at least a few thoughtful brethren who, suf- 
ficiently alive to the need of organized work for 
juniors, will, on appeal, cheerfully contribute some- 
thing to Its support. 

And, bless usl the sum that charity must be 



156 The Financial Question — Economic Side 

called upon to supply, is anything but a fortune. 
As has been shown, nearly all of our young friends 
will, by due payments, contribute annually to the 
union's maintenance at least a ''mighty" half dol- 
lar. Now to be sure, a single lad's ten nickels are of 
but slight help to the cause, but then many lads 
bring many nickels, — and, as the Scotch bard might 
seem to have meant, many nickels "make a muc- 
kle." It is fair to place the boys' own yearly offer- 
ings at about forty dollars for every one hundred 
names on the roll; and this done we can easily cal- 
culate the supplementary fund charity must create. 

Any thriving association with a membership of, 
say two hundred, will contribute something like 
eighty dollars toward the two hundred which, as is 
here assumed, is its largest total of expense. Hence 
the additional sum to be collected for the adjust- 
ment of the finances can not be much more than 
one hundred and twenty dollars all told. 

Clearly, then, the "outside" financial help to be 
secured by the worker is comparatively insignificant. 
And, since, in even the most arduous of enterprises 
"where there's a will there's a way," assuredly in 
this limited undertaking, success awaits him who 
has a heart that pities, and lips wherewith to plead 
and a hat to pass around. 

SECTION VII AND FINALLY 

Inspiration for the task proposed should be 
drawn from what we are already accomplishing in 
behalf of a kindred cause — Catholic education. 
Beyond all doubt, the importance of Christian 
schools is lost to a large proportion of the faithful 



And Finally 157 

every bit as much as the importance of boys' so- 
cieties is lost on the faithful, as a whole. But, not- 
withstanding the difficulties thereby placed In the 
way, we are maintaining and developing our educa- 
tional system, and this at an expense out of all pro- 
portion with the outlay either present or prospec- 
tive, involved in organized work for city juniors. 

Heaven forbid that in the face of this sustained 
devotion to one work of prime importance, organ- 
izers upholding another should falter! Think of 
It! Christian education In our cities costs each of 
the parishes concerned at the average rate, doubt- 
less, of more than four thousand dollars a year: 
and yet charity, everywhere earnestly besought to 
bear this great burden, everywhere responds. 

Shall, then, the boys' fraternity, which cares 
fairly well for both the juniors who have quitted 
the Catholic school and the juniors who have never 
entered it, be permitted in any locality to languish 
and perish for lack of the one-fortieth part of the 
eleemosynary favor that our average Catholic 
school requires and obtains? 



CHAPTER XVI 
L'ENFANT TERRIBLE 

SECTION I CHILD MEMBERSHIP A SERIOUS DRAW- 
BACK TO JUVENILE SOCIETIES 

The question of attractions having been treated, 
our further course will be to consider how juniors, 
after letting themselves be drawn within the radius 
of the patron's influence, can be most effectively 
organized and bettered. 

Here we must first of all give attention to crl- 
terions of eligibility applicable to membership. To 
be sure my pronounced advocacy of societies for 
only boys in their teens incurs the disadvantage of 
departing from more common usage which admits 
immediately after first communion, or, in our 
country and time, at twelve, eleven, or even ten 
years. Nevertheless, a few considerations may show 
that toleration of these younger guests at the Holy 
Table not only ruins the body which they join, but 
plays havoc over the entire field of organized work 
for youth. 

In juvenile associations premature membership, 
besides Its previously noted result of hampering dis- 
cipline, frightens away older followers — the very 
lads whose perseverance would bear the richest 
fruit. We must ever keep in mind that the pur- 
pose of a boys' society is best secured In subjects 
remaining, from fifteen till eighteen, while really 
beginning to be young men. Theirs are the years 

158 



Child Membership a Drawback 159 

of actual transition from boyhood to manhood — 
the critical period that should chiefly occupy spirit- 
ual friends and organizations, since it is the very 
period during which the powers of evil battle most 
fiercely for permanent control. Now the enrol- 
ment of sweet little chaps of ten or eleven summers 
may indeed prove advantageous to the chaps them- 
selves; but on the older and far more desirable 
element It can not operate otherwise than as a no- 
tice to quit. 

As everybody knows, age discrepancies suffice, 
in boyish intercourse, to establish dividing lines 
quite as absolute as any drawn in the adult world 
by sharp contrasts of education, wealth, or social 
standing. While the * 'touch-me-not" limit can not, 
and need not, be determined to a nicety, it seems 
clear that a youth usually scorns real fellowship 
with any one about five years his junior. Appar- 
ently this rule Is in no wise relaxed by the general 
mix-up of a society. No matter how well organ- 
ized, adolescent mortals still refuse a smile of fra- 
ternal recognition to those who have been laughing 
In this vale of tears some sixty moons less than 
themselves. 

The above norm seems to hold all along the 
youthful line; while remotely budding public men 
some three years short of voting age loftily curve 
their noses at nonentities nearing only life's thir- 
teenth mile stone, another junior aristocracy, hav- 
ing reached sixteen, is busy turning correspondingly 
cold shoulders on upstarts under eleven. Hence, 
where admission Is granted to early first communi- 
cants, our smooth-faced elders half way between 
twelve and twenty must perforce subject the fairer, 



i6o U Enfant Terrible 

rosier-cheeked junior increase to a bright-eyed, 
sensitive watch expressive of the fact that the meas- 
ure of honorable endurance is being filled. Finally, 
at the decisive moment in which patience begins 
to lose caste with the virtues, these injured 
veterans, assuming a dignified air of noblesse 
oblige, arise, wrap themselves in the gray of a 
severe, unapproachable seniority and forthwith 
depart. 

What, then, becomes of them? Justly concerned 
over a general and most inopportune withdrawal 
from the junior ranks, those in charge frequently 
endeavor to provide for the deserters by securing 
them admission into the young men's association. 
It is soon discovered, however, that many lads half- 
way in their teens steadily decline the invitation, 
"go up higher," simply because their slender stock 
of piety and good will is insufficient for even the 
gentle shock of transition from one roll-book to 
another. With better management, they might 
have been induced to make a prolonged stay as 
tolerable, and even faithful, members of the junior 
body; but, in quitting its ranks, they have with- 
drawn themselves finally and forever from all de- 
votional societies. 

Hence, under prevailing methods, the boys' 
union is at great disadvantage. Deprived of the 
subjects that should be chiefly succored, it secures 
results of only minor importance in the far 
less endangered juniors lately admitted to the 
Heavenly Banquet; and these, in turn, are fated 
to be likewise driven off when they reach the 
very age at which they could most profitably 
remain. 



Child Membership Acts Ruinously i6i 

SECTION II CHILD MEMBERSHIP IN JUVENILE 

SOCIETIES ACTS RUINOUSLY ON EVEN YOUNG 
men's ASSOCIATIONS 

Moreover, there is no consolatory gain, but 
rather additional misfortune, in the fact that most 
youngsters, on shaking off the dust of their proper 
department, are very eager to be enrolled with 
young men. If thus prematurely promoted, they 
only create in the second organization and for their 
elders the very abomination that has driven them- 
selves from the junior society's pale. Persons of 
mature years will not and morally speaking can not 
enter into any alliance involving fellowship with 
mere boys. 

No wonder that those in charge are discouraged 
by the resulting general state of affairs. While 
the boys' society fails to hold the subjects that are 
most wanted, the young men's fraternity hardly 
attracts young men at all. Nevertheless, this dis- 
astrous situation must frequently arise pending the 
general establishment of conditions under which 
juveniles, during their most endangered years, will 
cheerfully remain in the younger body rather than 
be tempted to push themselves Into the higher or- 
ganization to the exclusion of its intended adult 
members. 

To sum up: The policy now prevailing in this 
matter adheres to a semblance of religious proprie- 
ties at the expense of actual spiritual gain and con- 
sequently should be changed. Instead of begin- 
ning with first communicants and then accepting as 
many older lads as will tolerate the former, we 
ought to start at the other end of the line, securing. 



1 62 U Enfant Terrible 

at all hazards, the adolescent sinners still of attract- 
able age, and then rigorously barring whatever 
grades of "holy innocents" prove too young for the 
latter. 

SECTION III CONCERNING BOYS NOT YET IN 

THEIR TEENS 

This view of the situation chiefly has led the 
writer to believe that thirteen years should be re- 
quired in candidates. Once It Is admitted that strip- 
lings between fifteen and eighteen are in the most 
critical stage of development and primarily deserv- 
ing of assistance the taste of the oldest of this cate- 
gory must be consulted, come what may. And, as 
already advanced, associates of eighteen in their 
sensitiveness to junior encroachment bar all lads 
who are apparently some five years younger than 
themselves. 

Doubtless an occasional newly-ordained priest 
pralseworthily about to gather boys, feels diffident 
as to his ability to control youths of seventeen or 
eighteen and in consequence Is tempted to proceed, 
for a while anyway, with only subjects of fifteen or 
under. Obviously the new organizer, should he 
yield to this fear, will find nothing In the foregoing 
boys' rule of age toleration to prevent him from 
accepting little fellows of even ten years; but is not 
such early membership destined to become a hin- 
drance rather than a help to management? The 
present pages, answering this question affirma- 
tively, earnestly strive to dissuade the apprehensive 
coming leader from choosing the contemplated 
course. 

Reassurance has been given, it is hoped, by re- 



Age Semblance as a Criterion 163 

marks on the disciplinary side of our task and on 
clerical competency for the same, as well as by the 
suggestion that the beginner in the apostolate can 
amply safeguard things by merely limiting the num- 
ber of his followers. In fact the latter idea, which 
will reappear in a near-by chapter, "The Waiting 
List,'* seems to fully answer the difficulty now be- 
fore us, thereby enabling inexperienced workers to 
join with the author in recruiting from the older 
class, whose membership is paramountly fruitful 
and desirable, rather than from our dear young 
friends not yet thirteen. 

In view of the great common good obtained by 
enforcing this exclusion, it by no means seems that 
temporary denial of society attentions to little first 
communicants should be regretted. Resulting 
losses, while amply justified anyway, can not be 
great. At least as regards frequentatlon of the 
sacraments, such tyros, being In their first fervor, 
are likely to find In the example of enrolled com- 
panions and the prospect of later enrolment for 
themselves nearly as much Inspiration to approach 
the altar as could arise from actual membership. 
Besides It should be possible to have some of these 
would-be members (perhaps all of them whose am- 
bition may seen In any way justified) attend the 
meetings In a special capacity to be explained In the 
proper place. 

SECTION IV — AGE SEMBLANCE AS A CRITERION OF 
MEMBERSHIP. ITS STRONG POINTS 

Any one regulating admissions by the birthdays 
of applicants and applying, let us suppose, the 



164 U Enfant Terrible 

writer's favorite limit, thirteen, may easily find 
himself inclined to enlist at this age completed, not 
really, but apparently. It by no means seems neces- 
sary that an eligible candidate should be actually in 
his teens, if only fully able to pass as such. Fre- 
quently boys of twelve or less are quite as developed 
in body and mind as the average lad of thirteen, 
and there is no valid reason for the exclusion of 
such youngsters ranking as they do by inclination, 
ways of thinking, and companionship with those of 
eligible years. On the other hand, lads of thirteen 
years or more are sometimes so deficient physically 
and mentally that, for all society purposes, they 
should be treated as children of ten or eleven. 

From these considerations it is clear that the 
thirteenth year actually completed, if taken as a 
criterion, labors under a double disadvantage. On 
the one hand, it sometimes opens the door to chaps 
undersized in body and mind, with the unfavorable 
results detailed above; on the other hand, it fre- 
quently excludes a class of precocious youngsters 
whose early membership would be advantageous to 
the society and to themselves. 

Admission on age semblance again commends 
itself inasmuch as removing all need of testimony 
as to time of birth. Many boys, quite unable to 
classify themselves in this respect, can not give any 
closer tally of their age in winters and summers 
than of their recent experience in the matter of 
every-day springs and falls. And, what is far more 
surprising, parents themselves are frequently at sea 
concerning the years of their offspring. 

Once a lively specimen of Young America apply- 
ing to me for membership laid claim to fourteen 



Age Semblance as a Criterion 165 

years. "But, John," I remonstrated, "are you not, 
perhaps, mistaken? Your mother has told me that 
you are not yet twelve." "Why, Father!" ex- 
claimed the lad in a tone of unmixed amazement, 
"my mother don't know how old I am. She gets 
mixed on 'rithmetic an* I've always got to tell her 
how old she is." 

Another reason for preferring age semblance is 
the fact that unhappy deflections from the moral 
code will sometimes result, if admissions are based 
simply on the boys' statements as to their standing 
in years. Many a lad, consciously under thirteen 
but allured by prospects of joining older juveniles 
in a popular organization, will begin pious society 
life very inauspiciously by taking passing liberties 
with the eighth precept and fibbing his way into the 
ranks. 

It will then be safer, if possible, to judge the 
candidate not from his own declarations concern- 
ing himself, but by what he is "as others see him." 
However, it must not be imagined for a moment 
that I would have the applicant think his word 
doubted. Volunteered information, even of sus- 
picious character, ought to be received with out- 
ward respect; for, even while necessarily convinced 
that boys are not over skilful in truth-telling, their 
patron should resolutely believe his clients to the 
last ditch. 

Whoever would be influential for the improve- 
ment of the weak must stand to them, not as a de- 
tective ready to unearth iniquity, but as their benign 
counselor expectant of finding innocence. In per- 
sonal intercourse, sustained anticipation of hearing 
only the truth is itself a telling rebuke to prevari- 



1 66 U Enfant Terrible 

eating youngsters; a rebuke that does not destroy 
but rather increases their willingness to profit by 
your public condemnations of mendacity. 



SECTION V AGE SEMBLANCE AS A CRITERION OF 

MEMBERSHIP. ITS WEAK POINT 

While the above reasons vindicate the enforce- 
ment of an age limit by reference to the appear- 
ances of years rather than to their reality, neverthe- 
less workers adopting the former process may find 
themselves, in practice, badly handicapped by in- 
ability to render satisfactory decisions regarding 
the claims of candidates. Amid so many varieties 
of voice, face, manner, and character it is fre- 
quently impossible to discern apparent age with 
anything like desirable precision. Sometimes the 
director's estimate will be contradicted by that of 
others; not to speak of different appreciations re- 
garding the same individual which he will himself 
make on successive occasions. 

And, then, changes of dress or companionship 
alter a lad's appearance exceedingly. Often 
enough, deceived by a candidate's manly coat, 
derby hat, and sponsor-escort of older boys, I have 
accepted him as easily passing for thirteen, only to 
meet the same youngster later wearing a child's col- 
lar and cap, playing with tots and looking for all 
the world less than eleven. He must, indeed, be a 
rare judge of human nature who can in this busi- 
ness rely on the above indications of years, and 
reach decisions uniformly approved by his older 
followers or even by himself. 

From these facts it follows that, notwithstand- 



A New Century Expedient 167 

Ing the splendid advantages theoretically connected 
with aumission on age semblance, the plan, so far 
as yet presented, may easily prove in actual test 
more hurtful than useful. The director's verdicts, 
accordingly as they favor liberality or strict ob- 
servance, are likely to constitute casus belli for 
either offended veteran members or rejected ap- 
plicants of high ambition. Worse still, when guilty 
of inconsistently varied decisions, he will be con- 
demned by the unermined bench as one who "re- 
gards the persons of men" and will thereby stand 
convicted of the boy leader's unpardonable sin — 
favoritism. What, then, is to be done ? 

SECTION VI — A NEW CENTURY EXPEDIENT 

Up to the point now reached the present chapter 
is little more than a narrative of the course pursued 
and of the difficulties actually encountered by the 
writer in early practice. Having at the outset, like 
every one else, accepted little first communicants, 
he was soon forced by senior desertions to adopt 
age limitation; and, beginning with the thirteenth 
year actually completed, quickly learned to prefer 
its semblance. 

However, as just described, this latter criterion 
proved of clumsy operation and involved much 
judicial floundering detrimental to the cause. 
Finally the exigencies of the situation seemed to 
justify the bold departure of admitting on age ap- 
pearance rated no longer by features, companion- 
ship, manly bearing, etc., but simply by measure- 
ment of the applicant's stature. 

At this announcement many eyebrows, doubtless, 



1 68 U Enfant Terrible 

are raised In amazement. An easy effort of the 
imagination places me within hearing of startled 
voices that exclaim, *'Is the man daft? Would he 
really undertake to fill pious societies, the same as 
new clothes, by actually measuring customers?" 

Yes, dear shocked reader, in filling a boys' re- 
ligious organization, I would "take the measure" 
of candidates, not in any mere colloquial sense of 
forming eye estimates of disposition or intention, 
but by really sizing up the extent of material hu- 
manity between the crown of the head and the soles 
of the feet as revealed by the prosaic testimony of a 
commonplace yard stick. I am, besides, daring 
enough to hope that one or another heroic associate 
may find it well to do the same. So pray lift not 
hands or voice higher before reading what follows 
and with at least this concession, that boys, ad- 
mittedly a very peculiar portion of our somewhat 
peculiar race, are often best led by methods wholly 
inapplicable to the rest of mankind. 



CHAPTER XVII 

A PHYSICAL CRITERION FOR MEMBER- 
SHIP 

SECTION I — MEASUREMENT OF STATURE APPLIED 
TO CANDIDACY 

Corporal measurement, as everybody must ad- 
mit, successfully obviates the difficulties just de- 
scribed as having forced Its adoption. Removing 
all need of guesswork and query, It tells the ap- 
parent age easily and accurately. Applicants sim- 
ply submit themselves to the testimony of an object 
fixed in accordance with requirements, and show 
themselves at once as being of eligible high stand- 
ing or disquallfving "short comings." 

But, while this method of enrolling Is both con- 
venient and helpful, It is again strongly commended 
because in perfect harmony with boyish ideas. It 
is an every-day fact that, in juvenile male circles, 
social standing and physical standing are united by 
a close alliance deeply founded in the early aspira- 
tions of every individual. From the dawn of rea- 
son a boy leans heavily on the animal side, and, 
above all things else, is anxious to grow. Inches are 
to him as fortunes to the business man ; as worlds of 
fame in professional life. Looking down on an 
older sister and standing even with his mother be- 
come delightful experiences that count as mile- 
stones on the roadway to a supremely important 
goal. 

169 



lyo A Physical Criterion for Membership 

Nothing else can fully replace this early idea of 
^'getting up in the world." Grace and charm of 
youth, so winsome in the eyes of others, are rated 
by their possessor as consummate nonsense. While 
yet a "sweet little fellow" he is much bored at being 
so called. He washes his face only on compulsion, 
and then makes a second stand before consenting to 
arrange his fair, but disordered, locks. Vain are 
the counsels pointing out a short cut to manliness, 
through the cultivation of dignified and considerate 
gentleness in action. Our half-tamed subject, up to 
the last of his boyhood, shocks elderly advisers by 
storming forbidden places, disturbing the peace of 
quiet hours, and smashing whatever breakable 
objects fall to his hands. 

Neatness in apparel is another immaturity speci- 
fic which, though never weighed, is, from the first, 
found wanting. "Dreff'n up" is in itself quite an 
ordeal for the small boy; and, as preliminary to 
**stayin' dreff'd up," becomes the initial throes of a 
prolonged agony. Neither does sisterly love of 
finery, which he never can fathom, exercise percepti- 
ble influence in a contrary direction. Rather, with 
open scorn of girlish ways, he flaunts an outspoken 
predilection for old clothes — the more used-up the 
better — as occasioning less maternal fuss when 
soiled or torn. And, then, it is really a case of 
love's labor lost if nature has supplied our young 
friend with a voice ; for, with no special pride even 
in strains that angels might envy, he is quite con- 
tent to ''holler" when with the ''fellers," and to 
whistle if alone. 

Muscular strength, it must be admitted, the pos- 



Measurement of Stature 171 

sessor esteems as a gift by no means "to be sneezed 
at." This Important acquisition stands In well for 
games and gymnastic display, not to mention 
graver Interests of life dependent on fisticuffs. In- 
deed, physical energy might prove a rival favorite 
with stature Itself, were the former always In evi- 
dence Instead of appearing only on occasions. Men- 
tal gifts, on the contrary, are thoughtlessly under- 
rated. Simply to be tall Is the youngster's sum- 
mum bonum, and It Is only when his head is in the 
air about as high as the same will ever go, that he 
usually bethinks himself of taking any considerable 
pride In the contents real or supposed. 

Since, then, a boy comes to be satisfied with him- 
self mainly through his own stature, he usually 
looks to the stature of his associates more than to 
anything else when making himself satisfied with 
them. Accordingly, an organization has already 
entered into close partnership with the disposition 
of the older lads, if it is pledged to keep the small 
fry out. 

Moreover, the proposed method can be made 
exceedingly helpful to good deportment. A young- 
ster is never more stimulated to copy the bearing of 
grown people than when found big enough for 
something wherein other lads are rated too small. 
Hence, the director makes an excellent bid for good 
order by merely keeping it before his hearers that 
little boys are excluded because giddy and unable 
to take care of themselves. 

To be sure, the exhortation, "Behave like men" 
Is rather trite; and, therefore, usually without spe- 
cial force in juvenile circles at school and elsewhere. 



172 A Physical Criterion for Membership 

Nevertheless, It has a salutary effect, when used as 
the expression of an active policy that accepts mem- 
bers proved men by a standard of manliness which 
they themselves have chosen, and rigorously ex- 
cludes as children all those In whom this selected 
sign of maturity does not appear. 

SECTION II — METHOD VERSUS MAGNETISM AGAIN 

The facilities and gains secured by only this one 
of the many expedients that can be suggested are re- 
spectfully submitted In confirmation of my view 
that boy-saving endeavor, by systematically adapt- 
ing itself to juvenile nature, accomplishes as much 
as It could possibly effect through personal magnet- 
ism, if not more. 

After the winsome patron has sinned against 
public sentiment by enrolling '*klds" in stature, 
albeit of sufficient mental development, it may be 
that his Innate charm avails to counteract the effect 
of this offense. But, If so, the victor will have 
gained no more through rare personal attractive- 
ness than is accomplished by the non-magnetic 
plodder who, with common-sense deference to 
youthful aspirations, keeps all "kids," no matter 
how brainy, at a distance. 

The former of these directors, having blindly 
fostered a spirit of mischief and desertion, is luckily 
gifted to hold the same In check; the latter, on the 
contrary, never lets that untoward spirit arise. He 
achieves success by simply accepting the plain fact 
of juvenile sociology that a boy before the boy 
public always wins on the length of his garments 
what he could never obtain by the size of his hat. 



The Proposed Method Actually Tested 173 

SECTION III THE PROPOSED METHOD ACTUALLY 

TESTED 

While the foregoing novel system Is easily sup- 
ported In theory, suggestions for reducing the same 
to practice labor under disadvantage. It lacks the 
confirmation of extensive trial. Like other begin- 
ners, I can point to but a single Instance of applica- 
tion; this has covered many years and with splendid 
results, but after all It Is only my own poor little 
personal experience, out all alone in the wide apos- 
tolic world. Nevertheless, zeal for the cause now 
dictates that the isolated, hidden enterprise and Its 
outcome be removed from under the bushel and 
boldly placed on a candlestick for the encourage- 
ment of souls ready to do and dare. 

During some twenty years, then, and under the 
writer's personal supervision, hundreds of boys 
have been enrolled by corporal measurement. 
With unbroken uniformity of seriousness and good 
will, they have ever accepted this means of entering 
their pious society as the most natural thing in the 
world. In fact their respectful acceptance of the 
process suggests that It stands to them in a halo of 
sanctity, as universal In the Church, and, like holy 
water or blessed candles, derived from apostolic 
times. 

Dating from the child's first clear knowledge of 
the situation, becoming ''big 'nuff fer de serdalitee" 
Is a future event of events In our local junior life, 
quite comparable to the crowning and unspeakable 
glory of getting Into long pants. In consequence, 
many a careful housewife Is dismayed to find that 
her ambitious Master Tom has conspicuously 



174 ^ Physical Criterion for Membership 

marked the required height over the domestic 
wainscoting with a view to frequent measurements 
In computation of the Interval after which corporal 
development will be profitable both for this world 
and the next. 

This system has always accomplished in practice 
whatever is claimed for it In theory. And there is 
special encouragement in the fact that the chief 
purpose in view has ever been grandly realized; for 
our veterans, most tolerant of the junior recruits, 
commonly persevere contentedly In the sodality un- 
til eighteen years of age or more, thus gaining un- 
speakably by their prolonged stay besides furnish- 
ing an abundance of senior leadership. Most ear- 
nestly, then, is this single but successful trial offered 
for the consideration of others. And, while the 
proposed method is admittedly unable to find favor 
with all workers. It assuredly ought not be hastily 
buried alive on the single, primeval charge — which 
had kept us In the stone age — '*that such was never 
done before.'^ 

SECTION IV TRICKS OF THE TRADE 

Though not devised for the entertainment of 
directors, this measuring process proves one of the 
welcomest recreative features of our apostolate. 
The small boy's triumphant glee on finally reaching 
the oft-vainly tried mark merits a skilful brush. In 
contrast with this, there are, however, occasions of 
wrecked ambition, in which the reliable, business- 
like trial shelf is subjected to glances of withering 
scorn by Indignant young gentlemen declared to be 
a little below requirements. The remark just made 



Tricks of the Trade 175 

recalls how one of the first lads I ever rejected, in- 
stead of Idly chewing the cud of disappointment, 
had recourse to his ingenuity for success in a second 
attempt. It afterward transpired that, in the in- 
terim, he provided his shoes with new, thick soles. 

This proved to be the forerunner of a number 
of little stratagems sure to be discoverable wher- 
ever the above way of doing may be applied; for 
the semi-religious character of the ordeal does not 
prevent the parties concerned from accounting it, 
like love and war, a department of endeavor in 
which all is fair. As rarely interfering seriously 
with the object in view, such tricks may as a rule 
be overlooked ; nevertheless, care must be taken to 
restrain youthful enterprise from annihilating the 
test altogether. Hence, It is well to measure, not by 
a feebly self-assertive mark, but under a projecting 
shelf that clearly designates the heads of the elect 
by receiving them with an unmistakable bump. 
Furthermore, candidates should always be placed 
facing the wall and with heels in full evidence. 
Otherwise, in the heart of the crisis, attacks of ner- 
vous exaltation are likely to overwhelm these tem- 
porarily excitable parts of their anatomy. 

Finally, those interested in the expedient will nat- 
urally ask, what degree of stature Is proposed as 
the standard? How tall must an eligible lad be? 
Inconsistent as It may seem, I have no very decided 
views on this vital portion of the subject. It Is 
easier merely to supply data for decision by repeat- 
ing that candidates should be tall enough for com- 
panionship with youths of seventeen or eighteen, or, 
what comes to the same, that they should touch a 
mark characteristic of lads of thirteen. Put in 



176 A Physical Criterion for Membership 

either way, however, this statement indicates a 
height of vague determination, which may, more- 
over, vary in different places. For the writer's lo- 
cality, it seems accurately enough placed — and in 
his practice is fixed — four feet ten inches from the 
floor. 



SECTION V — WHAT ABOUT THE LILLIPUTIANS? 

This chapter supports its immediate predecessor 
by answering a question sure to be raised now con- 
cerning a new class of small-boy failures ; these are 
the unfortunates known to have begun the teens 
but who, for all that, stand short of the required 
mark. What Is to be done with them? I answer 
that, while all possible allowance must be made for 
undersized lads really of sufficient age, care of 
pygmy interests must not outstrip zeal for the great- 
est good of the greatest number. 

The fact that normally developed young fellows 
well in their teens often enter individually into com- 
panionship with stunted unfortunates also in their 
teens does not permit the organizer to usher all of 
the latter class into the fraternity. Boys, collec- 
tively free from special influences of close resi- 
dence, family friendships, etc., will, as a body, 
ostracize the same physically retarded youngsters 
whom, separately and by private concession, they 
accept. Special admissions, then, of chaps small 
for their age produce untoward results unless, in 
each instance and to the satisfaction of the entire 
group of sensitive, older associates, the undersized 
newcomer can make it clear that he has really en- 
tered the teens. 



What About the Lilliputians? 177 

In passing judgment on this matter a small or- 
ganization with well-acquainted neighbors filling 
the roll-book is more indulgent than one recruited 
from different parts of the town. Members of the 
latter body are so unfamiliar with one another as 
to magnify any vision of enrolled dwarfishness into 
the advance shadow of a dreaded infantile invasion. 
When, therefore, the sodality is large, a "shorty'* 
must be denied admission until evident maturity of 
voice, features, etc., forces exclusive elders to rec- 
ognize him as a real peer merely victimized by cir- 
cumstances entirely beyond control. 

In practice these secondary age marks will 
hardly do substitute gateway service for missing 
stature before the completion of the fourteenth 
year. And, meanwhile, abbreviated humanity can 
be accepted more safely and even invested with 
actual dignity if a tradition be nourished in the so- 
ciety to the effect that its childlike appearing mem- 
bers are invariably among the oldest boys of all. 

Nevertheless It is abundantly true that my pro- 
posed criterion will occasionally blackball a lil- 
liputian whose taller acquaintances of even lower 
age are unhesitatingly accepted. Even so. After 
due reflection, we must admit that the former's 
temporary exclusion for the general good is usually 
a light trial meriting no deep sympathy. The ju- 
venile stunted in body is, in most instances, of cor- 
respondingly tardy mental development; his school 
work, ideas, and disposition all being in keeping 
with the lesser age suggested by lesser physical 
standing.^ 

*In confirmation of this view we may note that some leading 
educators, after extensive investigations, propose having chil- 



178 A Physical Criterion for Membership 

Moreover, mere corporal kinship is such a factor 
in boyish circles that the dwarfed lad is, as a rule, 
wholly content with the company of well-developed 
little chaps of equal stature who are, of course, his 
juniors. In fact, he generally prefers to lord it 
over these, believing, like another Caesar, that one 
is better off as ''boss" in the hamlet of small folk 
than as coadjutor "boss" in the greater community 
of adolescence. 

Besides, a director easily keeps a list of these 
rejected admirers; and by occasionally calling them 
to a share of the society^s material windfalls can 
soften the little sting of unrequited affection, while 
at the same time maintaining the stature require- 
ments so helpful to the perseverance of his older 
followers. 

dren begin their school career, not at some fixed age, but when 
able to meet a physical test. 



CHAPTER XVIII 
THE ROUGHER ELEMENT 

SECTION I SHOULD JUVENILE "tOUGHS" BE 

ENROLLED? 

With scarcely any reservation, I would answer 
this query affirmatively, provided the ''toughs," 
like wild creatures for the tamer, can be caught 
young, say at sixteen or earlier. In the present mat- 
ter, however, the age question seldom assumes prac- 
tical importance, as unfortunates old enough to be 
quasi-irredeemable will scarcely offer themselves 
for enrolment. 

"What then!" exclaim social purists, ''is your 
high physical standard required only for associa- 
tion with one that is low morally? Are we not 
speaking of pious societies?" Yes — of societies 
pious like the Church, whose holiness Is transcen- 
dently displayed In the retention and Improvement 
of the fallen; of societies pious like Christ Him- 
self, come "not to call the just but sinners to pen- 
ance." Assuredly, the religious organizer of youth 
should ever be mindful that "they that are whole 
need not the physician, but they that are sick." 
While votaries of worldly greatness look with 
eaglelike steadiness Into suns of earthly wealth 
and position, It is for him who would labor with 
the lowly toiler of Nazareth to contemplate un- 
flinchingly all that is poorest and most abandoned. 

Therefore, prize a boy's friendship and confi- 

179 



i8o The Rougher Element 

dence less for the good you see in him than for the 
evil you can take out of him. Rejoice, as one pos- 
sessed of apostolic fitness, if your heart beats all the 
warmer welcome to a youngster's advances because 
he has a dirty face, ragged clothes, drunken par- 
ents, an irreligious home, and is reputed "a good 
hand at swearing." 

As youthful hearts are easily remodeled, no 
violence is done our societies by usually opening 
them to those in need of moral cleansing. Oc- 
casionally, to be sure, some young life may be so 
exceedingly depraved as to absolutely demand 
ostracism; but in the earlier teens cases of the kind 
are rare. Nemo repente turpissimus. Unfortu- 
nates of that age may be drifting to the worst of 
disorders, but as yet, owing simply to insufficient 
evil experience, they are hardly so confirmed in 
their vicious habits as to be unfit for member- 
ship. 

Additional reason for a liberal policy follows 
from the known strength of juvenile solidarity. Be 
it for weal or woe, boys so *'hang together" that the 
exclusion of many who are bad means loss of many 
of the good; and a scriptural passage commends 
the husbandman who plucked no cockle from his 
field lest the wheat be rooted up. Take "gang" 
loyalty into account, then, and have no boy out who 
can possibly be in. 

Furthermore, profane mockery of religious ef- 
fort has such withering effect, even in juvenile cir- 
cles, that a few treble-voiced worldings loitering at 
the corner to pass remarks on "dem pi'us fellers" 
on the way to your meeting place will effectually 
minimize attendance. On the other hand, if, by 



All That's Gold Does Not Glitter i8i 

happy contrast of policy, you begin by securing 
most of these prospective scoffers the street cor- 
ners can harbor no unfriendly walking delegates, 
and nearly all the lads in town become in spe a rich 
spiritual possession. 

SECTION II — ALL THAT's GOLD DOES NOT GLITTER 

I am willing to speak further in favor of the 
disturbers now before us ; our profane, free-fisted, 
police-baiting youngsters under sixteen. Many of 
these are really diamonds, though admittedly of 
rough quality. Hidden under rags, slang, and boy- 
ish mischief often lie hearts generous, honest, and 
pure ; souls amazingly responsive to a sacred touch. 
Indeed the very boisterousness and boldness of the 
gamin can become less annoying because rightly 
taken as signs of the worker's opportunity; for 
these forms of activity are born of a fearless en- 
ergy, most precious when guided by an awakened 
Catholic spirit. 

In Illustration of this, I recall the doings of a 
certain lad of dissolute parentage and badly-dam- 
aged reputation, who first came prominently to my 
notice by the fact that, intent on enlivening choral 
features of our service, he brought to sodality 
meeting and operated therein nothing less than a 
fish-horn. Later, however, this same member de- 
veloped into a devout worshiper, and evinced spe- 
cial determination In religious matters by dropping 
his job because his employer had refused permission 
for the very exercises in which the convert found, 
at first, merely an occasion for extemporized instru- 
mental effort. 



1 82 The Rougher Element 

Happy the friend of souls in dire need who sum- 
mons together the entire local boy contingent, in- 
cluding lads of low moral standing and victims of 
irreligious homes! This apostle, reaching the 
masses in embryo, revives dying faith and hope and 
inspires Christian charity ; he becomes, through his 
labors, a saving check on the unspeakably deplor- 
able leakage from Catholicity into the channel of 
unbelief, immorality, and social ruin. 

Assuredly, one ambitious of these glorious re- 
sults can not but rejoice to count scions of criminal 
royalty among his followers. Aquila non capiat 
muscas. For my own part I look back to it as a 
very consoling disgrace — a sort of glorious scandal 
— that once during a boys' meeting the sacred 
chant went all to pieces because our leading warbler 
was in jail. 

SECTION III — A MOST SACRED ATTRACTION FOR 



My final chapter, offering a plan for assisting 
street boys to make their first communion, is here 
anticipated for a special purpose. The coming 
plan will be unfolded chiefly with the hope of help- 
ing lay workers acting under clerical direction ; but 
I would now point out that first communion aid, 
when it can be given by the priest personally, has 
the secondary but very important result of moving 
many a hard, irreligious youngster to warm ac- 
ceptance of society membership. 

In favor of this view, let me point to the oft- 
overlooked fact, that non-instructed, uncared-for 
urchins under sixteen — if only of parents claiming 



A Most Sacred Attraction 183 

to be Catholics — are in a multitude of instances de- 
sirous of performing at least this most sacred re- 
ligious act; and this even though they be at first 
ever so strongly disposed to fly from the seeming 
excess of piety involved in society membership. It 
is not contended that these young fellows have any 
burning ambition to approach the altar. On the 
contrary, their spirit is usually only slightly will- 
ing, and the flesh is decidedly weak. Nevertheless, 
the salutary desire exists, and is strong enough to 
secure for the unfortunates something otherwise 
unobtainable — close association with a spiritual 
leader. 

This companionship, brief as it is, can be easily 
turned to unspeakable gain. The patron who, in 
ordinary situations, is without the slightest knack 
of '^getting around" young folks will find in the 
friendly intercourse, open confidence, and awak- 
ened piety of a suitably conducted first com- 
munion class unique facilities for gaining the af- 
fection of his pupils, with consequent influence to 
lead them whither he will. As a final result, curs- 
ing, tobacco-fed, priest-shunning church strangers 
are readily made over, not only into Mass at- 
tendants and monthly communicants, but also into 
veritable pillars of a boys' society conducted by the 
friend who has cleared their way to the Holy 
Table. 

I must insist on the meaning of the last sentence 
and can not allow myself to be understood as claim- 
ing for these lucky mortals mere willingness to 
make some trial of juvenile organizations. The 
point is that, enriched with graces largely retriev- 
ing the past, they usually become members of the 



184 The Rougher Element 

warmest and most faithful kind; for, after having 
enrolled many of these spiritual outcasts, I can 
positively assert that, as regards fidelity to sodality 
obligations, they have generally proved themselves 
equal, if not superior to companions whose ante- 
cedents were of excellent quality. Assuredly, full 
ranks will be secured by the worker who with this 
display of the greatest and holiest of all induce- 
ments gives primary attention to the very lads that 
ordinarily jeer society members, and thus trans- 
forms even devouring wolves into bell sheep lead- 
ing the rest of the flock. 

SECTION IV MEMBERSHIP OF BAD BOYS NOT SERI- 
OUSLY DETRIMENTAL TO GOOD ONES 

Our fallen state, which makes it impossible for 
us to accomplish any good without indirect bad re- 
sults, forbids the assertion, that in a pious society 
virtuous lads suffer no moral harm whatever by 
association with those who are corrupt. However, 
while it is true that in this work, as in every other 
undertaken for God's glory, the enemy will bring 
about some evil, it is also true that the injected evil, 
when light in comparison with concomitant spirit- 
ual gains, can be ignored somewhat on the principle 
of parvum pro nihilo reputatur. 

This reasoning gives one full liberty to beg place 
for bad boys in good boys' fraternities, if only it 
be made entirely clear that the harm done lads of 
better class is really so little as to make no head 
against the society's evident and conceded benefits 
conferred on all. For the purpose, then, of saving 
the bacon of my young scapegrace friends, I build 



Bad Boys Not Seriously Detrimental 1 85 

on the fact that, In organizations of the general 
character here contemplated, members are thrown 
together only for religious exercises and occasional 
diversions. Now, there is no reason for supposing 
that, on the former occasions at least, well-disposed 
lads will come to more harm than by incidentally 
meeting wayward acquaintances at Mass or Ves- 
pers. Moreover, the dangers of a few general 
recreative assemblies will seem small indeed, if we 
reflect that juniors do not readily communicate fail- 
ings by means of mere passing contact, but through 
real companionship, especially that maintained dur- 
ing idle hours. 

And here account must again be taken of the 
juvenile commonwealth's familylike foundation, 
the "crowd." This social unit, invariably estab- 
lished on a present or past neighborly basis, com- 
bines its few members more or less closely, and to 
the very considerable, or perhaps total, exclusion 
of outsiders. 

As a result, when there Is question of massing 
youngsters their chumships aid morality by isolat- 
ing vice in somewhat the same way as police au- 
thorities restrict the social evil, by confining it to 
certain quarters of a town. Though the entire 
local juvenile contingent be assembled, most boys 
will have extensive dealings only with fellow 
habitues of familiar street corners, already accepted 
for steady companionship, both at home and 
abroad, and are hardly more likely to be Infected 
with the failings of other parties than when run- 
ning with them to fires. 

So, all in all, no worker need timorously regard 
the rougher element as an evil leaven that "cor- 



1 86 The Rougher Element 

rupteth the whole lump." Wayward boys hold 
their place In a pious society much as patients in a 
well-kept sanitarium. Owing to the surroundings, 
their moral diseases are, at least, prevented from 
attacking associates of sound spiritual health and 
are sure to receive some kind of check, be it slight, 
notable, or triumphantly complete. 



CHAPTER XIX 
THE WAITING LIST 

SECTION I — ^A STIMULUS TO FAITHFUL MEMBER- 
SHIP 

Any youth wooing the writer's sodality, even 
though fully qualified by having weathered our 
twofold test, theological and physical (first com- 
munion made and the required stature attained), 
finds himself still obliged to keep the threshold. 
He has merely obtained a place on the Waiting 
List, made up of lads standing to fill vacancies that 
occur in the regular body/ This department, be- 
sides rendering other services, is the writer's ex- 
pedient for continuously admitting members with 
that independent and impressive circumspection al- 
ready recommended for the first stages of organiza- 
tion. 

The Waiting List, which makes sundry "rough 
ways plain" for the director, begins its good work 
by permanently moving all subjects to a higher ap- 
preciation of their association. I have already 
quoted the difficulty commonly put by those who 
have attracted youngsters into a society only to 

^My "reserves" must by no means be conceived of as sodality 
candidates already attending service, and only awaiting the 
ceremony of "reception" to receive full privileges. Much less 
are they little fellows too young for the ranks. The supple- 
mentary roll is strictly for lads, as yet in no sense members, 
but merely applicants ; lads, however, who are officially de- 
clared fully eligible for future vacancies occurring in the 
main body. 

187 



1 88 The Waiting List 

witness the quick fading of its ephemeral glory. 
"How," they ask, "shall we hold boys?" At every 
step I am answering: by so adapting our societies 
to the juvenile mechanism that they can take ad- 
vantage of innocent early tastes and inclinations, as 
well as shortsighted youthful notions. 

In the present instance, this idea is most advan- 
tageously applied by obliging candidates to con- 
template the sodality as "chuck full." It is when 
crowded out of anything, that boys are chiefly Im- 
pressed with the importance of getting in. Conse- 
quently, an organization filled to the extent of re- 
quiring locked doors, towers in mysterious but in- 
viting grandeur amidst the clouds of exclusiveness. 
In virtue of absolute inability to accept anybody at 
all, it quite outranks things ordinary, e.g., cheap 
shows, cart-tail sittings, etc., which always humbly 
make room for the young capitalist or hustler, and 
actually shares honors with superlatively choice In- 
stitutions, unattainable by stress of juvenile pocket 
or muscle, such as the high-priced circus or the 
high-fenced racetrack. 

This state of affairs can not but raise the tone of 
membership, while happily equipping the director 
with an abundance of time-saving and disciplinary 
facilities. Clearly, it Is one thing to tramp for 
hours and hours about town in quest of elusive 
material circa quam, and quite another to contem- 
plate volunteers already lined up at headquarters 
and eagerly watching for the slightest encouraging 
signal. It Is one task to enforce attendance and 
due payments on boys who are conscious of having 
favored the administration by joining and feel that 
their departure will leave unsightly vacant places, 



A Refugium Peccatorum 189 

but an entirely different occupation when your 
charges recognize admission as a boon and realize 
that any unoccupied seat Is ambltloned by other 
youngsters standing wistfully at the door. 

Meanwhile there Is no reason for concealing a 
fact seeming to show that my ointment has Its fly. 
Some lads, resenting delay, will not present them- 
selves when finally Invited to become members.^ 
But while this proceeding Is to be regretted In 
certain Individuals of known promise. It Is on the 
whole advantageous ; for failure to respond usually 
occurs on the part of ultra "unrellables" who are 
advisedly subjected to some test as a check on their 
fruitlessly troublesome comings and goings. 

SECTION 11 — ^A REFUGIUM PECCATORUM 

Besides exercising the above desirable Influence 
on ordinarily well-disposed applicants, my half-way 
house makes a handy stowaway place for "hang- 
ers on" of lesser promise. These are Individuals 
suspended for having missed meetings. Behold 
them now back again, with one eye possibly glanc- 
ing heavenward and the other certainly cocked on 
the ''flesh pots." Either they are confessedly guilty 

^While, as a general thing, the Waiting List boys should be 
called in out of the cold, "first come, first served," just as their 
names have been received, nevertheless it would be unwise to 
make this practice a fixed rule. Keep it before the auxiliary 
force that at least its younger element — little chaps just of the 
required age (or height) — must expect to find themselves occa- 
sionally overlooked in favor of lads who are older and there- 
fore deserving of special consideration. In virtue of this saving 
clause, the director may betimes ignore the regular order of 
names and practise considerable spiritual favoritism without 
fear of revolutionary upset. Very often a boy whose interests 
seem to demand a hurry-up initiation can be declared "a 
special case," and then admitted without delay. 



190 The Waiting List 

of backsliding that may or may not be repeated, or 
more probably abound in tardy explanations which 
a well-occupied director can not attempt to investi- 
gate and verify. 

Now, while prudence demands that such indi- 
viduals be not reinstated until after undergoing 
some sort of probation, action that might seem 
punitive ought to be avoided. What, then, is to 
be done with prodigals deserving neither "the 
fatted calf" and "first robes," nor to be driven back 
to the "far country" of recent exile? Meet the dif- 
ficulty by utilizing the Waiting List, and thereby 
granting affectionately disposed oldtimers the free- 
dom and solace of the paternal vestibule until room 
can be found within. 

This arrangement, assuring maintenance of 
peace and good will, often becomes permanent; for 
the returned wanderer is always content for the 
time being with the greeting thus accorded his ad- 
vances; and if afterward ignored has usually been 
too much distracted by the rush and bustle of life 
to retain interest in the readmission he set out to 
secure. Meanwhile, should any one begin to fret 
over prolonged exclusion, his wounded feelings 
will furnish the very best of reasons for an early 
recall. 

Evidently, there is all the difference of frost 
and sunshine between treating repentant deserters 
without and with the aid of this exterior lodging 
place. In the first instance, the organizer can offer 
only an icy reception. "Owing to your certain, or 
at least probable fault," he must say, "we can not 
talk of membership at present. Call again." But 
under the system just suggested, the kindly patron, 



A Refugium Peccatorum 191 

like the gospel sire, goes forth and greets his erring 
one with the following warm verbal kiss. "It's 
all right, John; never mind explaining about it, 
boy; If really In fault, you will do better next time. 
I am delighted to have you back again; perfectly 
delighted; only, as you know, we have a pretty 
long Waiting List, and, of course, you will be en- 
tirely satisfied to remain out till your turn for ad- 
mission comes around." 

Here, then, the priest Is enabled to preserve with 
the applicant such relations as are needful, whether 
the latter is to be received again or not. For, when 
returning urchins are weak to the extent of being 
clearly Ineligible, it Is unwise to break with them 
wholly. Favorable expectations should be mani- 
fested, first, for the sake of the urchins themselves 
— an unfortunate's advances In the right direction 
should never be positively discouraged — and, sec- 
ondly, for the benefit of the work In hand. Young- 
sters, In no sense with you, are always more or less 
against you. Far better that rogues unprepared 
for the society should be Its cool friends rather than 
Its enemies; for In the latter capacity, like ocean 
derelicts threatening seaworthy craft, they will 
surely prove an especially grave menace to the 
membership of boys better disposed than them- 
selves. 

Consequently, when approached by a lazy, police- 
recorded, half-unbalanced incorrigible, already 
tried and found badly wanting, the organizer only 
makes matters worse by repelling his visitor. Let 
him rather take down the unworthy applicant's 
name for the Waiting List and future membership 
( ?). In this matter, we have something to learn 



192 The Waiting List 

from the politician who, with encouraging serious- 
ness, is ever hopeful of finding places for people 
without any "pull." 



SECTION III — THE FORMATIVE PROCESS 

It remains to unfold ways and means of creating 
the Waiting List which, save in very large unions, 
can hardly spring forth as a purely natural growth 
but must rather be of artificial formation. 

As soon as justified by fair attendance, let the 
organizer declare a necessity of limiting the roll to 
the length already obtained. The ostensible reason 
for this step can be, e.g., his personal fear that 
further increase would prevent the members from 
enjoying individually the close attention now given; 
or it may arise from the necessity of restricting 
the boys to a rather small section of the church so 
as to leave plenty of room for adults present on oc- 
casions. Thus, after admitting perhaps one hun- 
dred followers the priest advisedly contrives to call 
a halt on fresh arrivals, thereby forcing his useful 
Waiting List into existence. 

But now let us take a step backward to see what 
can be done in the desired direction during the still 
earlier stages of organization and before the an- 
nouncement, "no standing room," can be plausibly 
made. Even then a good substitute for the auxiliary 
roll is feasible, but to explain the same I must antici- 
pate matter descriptive of seating arrangements. 
A coming page will advocate as an essential feature 
that each member be permanently assigned to a 
certain pew or bench; now, for the purpose of 
guarding newcomers from confusedly locating 



The Formative Process 193 

themselves In places other than those appointed, it 
Is always preferable to admit as few as possible on 
single occasions. 

As will at once be seen, this flexible rule, by 
winding a little Impressive red tape about initia- 
tions, creates a sort of informal Waiting List in a 
society the membership of which is not as yet large 
enough to be actually limited. Thus, having be- 
gun with a dozen or more charter members, one 
wisely accepts at a time not more than half of the 
candidates presenting themselves, and so each of 
these finds his progress checked for at least one 
meeting. Later, a larger society and a lesser num- 
ber of seat hunters will perhaps justify the plan of 
taking applicants In still smaller bands, or even 
singly; and certainly I would not have a lad take 
part In the meeting Immediately following his dec- 
laration of good Intentions, unless It should happen 
that he Is the only volunteer In sight. 

This method of gently impeding admission cre- 
ates, therefore, an excellent supplementary roll for 
the society's Infancy. Furthermore, after member- 
ship has so grown as to justify an actual raising of 
the bars, the same method renders new service by 
protecting the regular Waiting List which might 
otherwise be wiped out of existence. To Illus- 
trate: — Let us suppose that some well-developed 
fraternity can boast of a reserve list carrying say 
fifteen names, and shows simultaneously an equal 
number (fifteen) of vacancies; evidently this fra- 
ternity, unless restrained In some way, will Immedi- 
ately swallow its satellite bodily. 

Fortunately, however, the practice of receiving, 
at once, as few newcomers as possible will have 



194 The JVatting List 

prepared the provident director for the emergency. 
Applying the established policy with whatever 
degree of strictness may suit the outlook, he ac- 
cepts at each meeting half or less of the waiting 
group, thus managing to keep his threatened auxil- 
iary department in existence until re-enforced by 
new accessions. 



SECTION IV LASTLY 

While the Waiting List, because of its extrinsic 
helpfulness, is worth having as early as possible 
and for any ostensible reason. It becomes, of course, 
a strict necessity whenever the members may pack 
the meeting-place or have reached the maximum 
figure for their director's control over boys sup- 
posedly at prayer. 

And what growth in numbers will be permitted 
by the second of these conditions? To this ques- 
tion no exact answer can be given. My champion- 
ship of commonly-occurring disciplinary ability Is 
not weakened by the admission that priests of 
such ability may sometimes find their maintenance 
of order on the wane accordingly as increasing 
totals of memberships are reached. However, 
this remark, reasonably understood, does not ap- 
ply to workers of exceptional governing power 
nor to those of average governing power who 
will have taken the pains to strengthen themselves 
with anti-mischief expedients. 

Hence It is Impossible to give any figure of mem- 
bership as the common maximum. On this point, 
advice must be limited to the suggestion that a roll 
already respectable by the presence of say two hun- 



Lastly 195 

dred names should be lengthened cautiously; the 
leader making sure that the gradual Increase of 
bright faces in his gatherings does not prevent him 
from holding the situation perfectly in hand. For 
what were gained should the angels contemplate a 
church full of fun-making, mock devotees and 
complain with the prophet, "Thou hast multiplied 
the nation and hast not increased the joy" ? 

My final word, then, concerning the fundamental 
matter of regulating admissions, is the expression 
of an earnest hope that this reserve department be 
given trial. With such assistance you can build a 
society fitted for real work by Its well-knit, sturdy 
frame, contrasting most favorably with the over- 
grown, short-winded, booby-like conglomeration 
almost sure to result from attractive methods 
united with unrestricted membership. 

This simple stratagem, operating absolutely 
without cost or annoyance, assures rich results and 
eases administrative burdens. It enables the or- 
ganizer to stand as a greater benefactor before the 
multitude of boys seriously ambitious of joining, 
and permits him to replace friction with some show 
of friendship In regard to juvenile weathercocks, 
renegades, desperadoes, and other such riff-raff. 
In a word, the director with a Waiting List can 
piously boast of being almost "all" to nearly every- 
body — which is, perhaps, about as much as St. Paul 
himself were able to assert had it been his mission 
to organize American city boys during this twen- 
tieth century. 



CHAPTER XX 

BRIEF PRIVATE VISITS BY THE BOYS 
TO BE ENCOURAGED 

SECTION I — ^ATTRACTING CALLERS 

Natural attractions, in stirring the members to 
some enthusiasm for the society and placing them 
before the public, have not fully accomplished their 
mission. The bait should be so manipulated as to 
favor the additional feature of short, frequent, 
private interviews between the youngsters (calling 
sometimes singly, sometimes in parties) and their 
adult friend. 

Of course, in bringing about these tete-a-tete in- 
terviews, a magnetic worker needs no attractions. 
Or, rather, he can have plenty of such interviews 
in virtue of a single and ever-operative attraction, 
the charm of his own personality. Consequently, 
the following recommendations are made not for 
organizers of personal drawing power but in the 
Interests of the ordinarily equipped, willing workers 
who, as the writer everywhere contends, can easily 
accomplish all that boy-care demands. 

Now leaders devoid of personal winsomeness 
must draw visitors in a businesslike way and just as 
the storekeepers draw them, by contriving to have 
on hand things In which his public is Interested. 
Hence, throughout these pages attractions, as well 

196 



The Host's Opportunities 197 

as other features of the society, are proposed under 
forms calculated to bring Individual youngsters as 
often as possible in quest of their patron/ 

I would begin by encouraging such visits even 
in friends as yet too young for the society. Pos- 
sibly nothing that can be devised promotes such 
early advances better than does the proposed ex- 
pedient of a physical criterion for membership. 
During a considerable period before managing to 
meet this requirement fully, the applicant is con- 
sciously under its spell and is likely to be found 
freely visiting the director for official tests on the 
slowly yielding fraction of an inch that bars pro- 
motion. 

On such occasions, a little kindly treatment along 
the lines about to be described, together with some 
trifles of gifts bestowed in exceptional cases "to 
make a boy grow," will both blunt the edge of dis- 
appointment and increase good will. So, when 
finally the candidate can pass for membership, his 
regard for the director will also be grown, and 
will have acquired strength foreshadowing fidelity 
to the obligations assumed. 



SECTION II THE HOST's OPPORTUNITIES 

After a lad^s enrolment, natural attractions will 
continue, and all the more easily, their good work 

^Obviously, a club, wherever it is maintained, aflFords the 
director constant opportunities for requisite private chats and 
close acquaintance with his individual followers. But the 
writer, faithful to his view that the permanent amusement 
center is non-essential to clerical workers, offers the main- 
tenance of brief private visits as a simpler means whereby the 
priestly leader can keep the desired familiar footing with his 
constituents. 



198 Brief Visits to he Encouraged 

of drawing him to your door. The full-fledged 
member is led to call spontaneously and frequently 
concerning his share in games, contests, prizes, etc. ; 
and thus coaxed within range can be easily made 
the object of such effective, quick-firing volleys of 
kindly interest as will force a surrender of affection 
to the society and will in other ways disconcert the 
powers of evil. 

In this connection let us note that the patron's 
higher calling gives religious tone to intercourse 
otherwise of purely secular character; hence the 
above happy results are obtainable even if con- 
versations hinge on only commonplace affairs. It 
is very helpful to a youth's spiritual standing that 
he meets with priestly concern regarding every-day 
doings of the family, school, or place of employ- 
ment. And, then, interest in a single boy, be it 
shown only on the sidewalk, has this advantage 
over interest in several lads, shown even from the 
altar, that the former attentions go directly and 
fully home to the individual. 

SECTION III MERCENARY VISITS TURNED TO 

ACCOUNT 

Nor are such visits to be considered valueless, 
when sometimes made in a purely self-seeking 
spirit — i.e., for the sole purpose of securing gifts 
or other favors distributed by the organization. 
Even when thus inspired, juvenile calls enable the 
director to form salutary intimacies in which mer- 
cenary motives cease to play. 

Indeed, the lads to profit most by the present 
proceeding are half-grown unfortunates more or 



Another Gain 199 

less given to the already mentioned un-CatholIc and 
ominous aloofness from the priest. These fright- 
ened lambs of the flock, enticed by little favors held 
in the shepherd's own hand, quickly learn to rout 
Imaginary terrors attributed to the shepherd him- 
self. Such recruits from the spiritual "submerged 
tenth," having first yielded to the small "gift of the 
lover," are speedily won over to the great "love of 
the giver," and to the unspeakably rich reserve gifts 
that his love implies. And thus they begin, poor 
boys! even by grasping rungs of baser stuff, to 
mount the ladder in part of earthly make that 
leads beyond terrestrial skies. 

Accordingly, it is vital to my plan that a young- 
ster, named for any society boon, be never per- 
mitted to receive the same by proxy, but be always 
obliged to secure it through personal recourse to 
the director. Before realizing the inflexibility of 
this rule, the lucky chap will sometimes send his 
little brother or big sister in quest of the coveted 
windfall. In such cases yield not. Simply smile 
an affectionate refusal and, wrapped in patience and 
expectancy, bide your time. The painless hook 
and Invisible line will ultimately bring Master Fish 
to hand; for, be assured, no boy lets a prize go by 
default even though to secure the same he must so 
brave the supernatural as to place himself between 
Its very jaws. 

SECTION IV — ANOTHER GAIN 

The brief interviews here advocated are again 
of importance because most helpful to the discipli- 
nary management of a juvenile society. 



200 Brief Visits to be Encouraged 

It should always be remembered that, since the 
director's own personality is pretty much the sum 
and substance of his fraternity's mechanism, he can 
lead youngsters collectively just in proportion as he 
nears them individually. To be sure the leader's 
disciplinary competency becomes more and more 
perfect accordingly as he manages to become better 
acquainted and more in touch with those directing 
his charges — parents, teachers, and employers — 
but the sufficient mainstay of his authority will al- 
ways be an intimate standing with the boys them- 
selves. 

Obviously, one who has studiously made friends 
with juniors has a friend's claim on their conduct. 
Furthermore, a man who encourages frequent pri- 
vate visits, even if he be of rather weak memory, 
can easily become master of the features and 
nomenclature of a flock running into the hundreds; 
and since ability to enforce order depends largely 
on one's readiness to single out delinquents nom- 
inally, the leader thus equipped enjoys special dis- 
ciplinary advantage. 

Accordingly, acquaintanceship with each and 
every hopeful is a chief constituent of the simple 
though seemingly mysterious spell which the expert 
superior casts, especially during religious exercises, 
upon his saints assembled. Materialized into 
"know-all-about-you" glances, this familiarity 
sweeps the congregational horizon and helps most 
efficiently to dispel its storm clouds of giddiness as 
fast as they can form. 

Clearly then, by accustoming the members to call 
on himself, the worker will usually add much to his 
spiritual influence, fatherly standing, and discipli- 



Interviews, when *^ Short," are '^ Sweet" 201 

nary control. Indeed, we seem justified In holding 
that ability to secure and maintain this advantage 
is a rarely failing mark of general competency and 
success. 



section v interviews, when "short," are 

''sweet" 

"But," objects some reader already busied by his 
numerous irons In more than one fire, "If anybody 
is going to accept all neighboring youngsters as 
visitors, he must needs be another Josue with 
power to halt the sun." Not so. The comings and 
goings of your boy friends can be systematized in 
such a way as in nowise to interfere seriously with 
other affairs. 

First of all, these visits should be limited to a 
fixed hour, presumably of the evening. Bunched 
in this way they by no means eat up the time 
that would be consumed by as many separate 
interruptions scattered throughout the entire 
day. 

But, what is more important, juvenile visits 
ought to be as I have already described them, 
short. Brevity in this business not only economizes 
time but, by often enabling the director to make 
himself congenial to his visitors, is likely to 
save the very object of the Interviews them- 
selves. For, despite our own years of prepara- 
tory youthful training, many of us grown people 
are likely to prove sorry conversationalists with 
youngsters, especially with those of the street-boy 
type. 

There is a real difficulty, which, perhaps, com- 



202 Brief Visits to be Encouraged 

paratlvely few educated persons have ever consid- 
ered, in getting on when one's habitual confabula- 
tory pyrotechnics must be replaced with the cheap 
firecrackerlike fizzle of juvenile sidewalk-gossip. 
To the boy-saver's visitors, science, art, Uterature, 
politics, and other subjects of moment to maturity, 
are mere rubbish; and, on the other hand, very 
lucky is the boy-saver host if at all au courant with 
the minor sporting events, shows, police doings, ac- 
cidents, dog fights, and kindred events of contem- 
poraneous street history, In which his guests are 
deeply interested. 

Now, clearly, unless one can make on juvenile 
callers a favorable, cheery impression, it is almost 
useless to have them pass his threshold. How, 
then, can the handicapped director so manage that 
the requisite impression will be unfailingly made? 
My best answer is : — by chatting briefly. After all, 
what can be more prudent in any society-leader 
short of conversational supplies than to plan 
conversational occasions of short duration? In 
the present situation make, of course, a few 
kindly Inquiries, etc., of a personal nature and 
then, as a sort of interlocutory dessert, serve 
some small talk; but while Introducing the same, 
you may as well be guiding your callers to the 
door. 

By following the plan here submitted, one may 
score genuine triumphs at the very edge of disaster. 
Quite frequently, the adult, who with three min- 
utes of chat entirely congenial to street-boy visitors 
gracefully dismisses the latter, would suffer con- 
versational collapse had he to entertain these hu- 
man curios three minutes more. 



A Few Seconds for Each Caller 203 

SECTION VI — A FEW SECONDS FOR EACH CALLER; 
ONLY A DAILY QUARTER OF AN HOUR FOR ALL 

Neither would I prolong Interviews for even the 
purpose of giving good advice. Your visitor's 
standing with regard to the society's communions, 
religious meetings, and the like may well demand 
a few sentences ; or some special circumstance, e.g., 
a death In his family, will occasion a little new 
spiritual attention; nevertheless, let all soul-aiding 
alms be of small bulk. 

Boy clients are never frightened away by the 
few words that suffice as food for future thought, 
but, If much evangehzed, they become a vanishing 
quantity. And after all It matters less that a lad 
has given his time only briefly to a friendly spirit- 
ual guide provided the lad becomes thereby con- 
scious of having really gained one. 

In the writer's opinion, then, a few moments will 
answer for each visitor and, as stated above, the 
total spent on all comers should not exceed a daily 
quarter of an hour. And bless our dear young 
friends! How well they lend themselves to this 
businesslike dispatch. Feebly influenced, as yet, by 
Ideas on personal dignity, they are very far from 
wincing under the various little offhand signs and 
ceremonies, conventional and original, whereby 
loitering guests are made to understand that their 
prompt departure will be appreciated. 

Indeed, boy callers, with their mania for inces- 
sant locomotion, are the funniest callers to be 
found. Never are they so given to social rubrics as 
to be anything else than openly all ears to the host, 
for his slightest notice to quit. 



CHAPTER XXI 
THE PLEDGE 

SECTION I — THE BOYS' TOTAL ABSTINENCE MOVE- 
MENT AS COMMONLY CONDUCTED 

We HERE begin to study forms of spiritual en- 
deavor that stand as the real objects of juvenile or- 
ganization. 

In connection with one of these undertakings, 
aggressive action against the drink evil, I submit 
that the instructions on intemperance sure to be de- 
livered before our young friends will hardly be 
worthy of the opportunity offered unless the instruc- 
tions appeal to at least such of the hearers as have 
seen drunkenness at home, asking the latter to bind 
themselves until twenty-one against all intoxicants. 
This safety step, the actual taking of which can 
occur in the sacred privacy of the confessional, is 
most reasonably and hopefully urged on the class 
mentioned, many of whom will prove already more 
than half disposed for hostilities with the habit 
known to them as a domestic destroyer of bodies 
and souls. 

A far wider movement against over-indulgence 
in drink is that of leading all of the members to 
openly pledge themselves as above. This policy 
is likely to commend itself especially in localities 
that intemperance has afflicted to the extent of cre- 
ating something of a reaction in the boys them- 
selves; and, in parents, a warm readiness to co- 

204 



Objections Stated and Answered 205 

operate with any strong action toward saving their 
sons. But, on the other hand, where there Is com- 
parative freedom from the drink evil and in conse- 
quence lesser public feeling against It, the same 
total abstinence program would seem easily able to 
Injure the popularity of the union and shorten Its 
roll. 

It Is to be observed, furthermore, that priests 
who labor to secure the foregoing promise from the 
entire body of clients do so in accordance with one 
or the other of the following methods. Either 
they explain beforehand that the pledge does not 
oblige under pain of sin — In which case It can 
hardly restrain youth effectively — or else, as usually 
happens, they remain wholly silent on the subject, 
leaving each one of the crusaders to bind himself 
in whatever degree may accord with the crusader's 
understanding of things and his good will. 

SECTION II — OBJECTIONS STATED AND ANSWERED 

The latter proceeding on the part of directors 
Is condemned by many who believe that numbers of 
the boys so marshaled will In their hearts pledge 
themselves suh gravi, but only to break the promise 
steadily, and of course sinfully, until of age. 
Furthermore, as It Is asserted, these faithless un- 
fortunates are very often unwilling to even elicit a 
resolution of complying with what they still regard 
as a strict obligation, and this sad indisposition 
can not but bar them for the time being from the 
sacraments. And finally the view Is expressed that 
frequently pledge-takers learn to make their prom- 
ise a substitute for the divinely appointed sources 



2o6 The Pledge 

of spiritual strength — confession and holy com- 
munion. These three considerations lead to the 
position that the total abstinence promise, obtained 
from young people left to form their own con- 
sciences as to the gravity of its obligation, creates 
evil quite in excess of any good the promise may 
achieve. 

The writer would, however, point out to the 
propounders of these difficulties a very important 
feature of the situation that seems somewhat over- 
looked. It is that, when permitted to decide for 
themselves, all junior pledgers, the same as most 
senior endeavorers in the same line, are of the view 
that their total abstinence "vow," when once' 
broken, is thereby wholly sapped of binding vigor. 

The statement now made is amply confirmed in 
the experience of confessors; also by the fact that 
deserters from the "water wagon" who seek re- 
habilitation never find requisite strength in a re- 
newal of their violated engagement but wish to be 
secured with a brand-new chain. And when boys 
in particular are concerned, it will be seen that the 
sacred ban on intoxicants is readily dissolved into 
nothingness by a few drops of strong drink taken 
in utter forgetfulness of the contrary resolve, or 
even by the merest mistake. 

We find, then, a vast difference between the 
pledge as it falls from youthful lips and the same 
pledge as really accepted by youthful minds and 
hearts. While the promise is worded to express, 
like the vow of chastity, permanent restraint, it is 
understood, in common with the vow of virginity, 
as ceasing to hold after the first violation. Indeed, 
the priest might just as well bind his followers ex- 



Objections Stated and Answered 207 

plicitly in the sense of this latter and easier-going 
view were it not that by so doing he would seem 
at the outset to be making ready for pledge-break- 
ers and would thereby have the very discouraging 
appearance of expecting them on his hands by the 
wholesale. 

Neither should it be held that the erring boy's 
favorable initial post lapsum state of conscience will 
be unfavorably altered later on. Assuredly the 
backslider's understanding of his case must remain 
in statu quo until he enters a confessional; and 
there, as is to be expected, he will receive direction 
warily guarded against increasing the occasions of 
sin. 

Should the penitent find his accusation heard 
without comment, he will thereby be confirmed in 
the view already taken as to the inefiicacy of the 
broken pledge ; should he be successfully exhorted to 
make a new promise it will hardly be held "that the 
last state of that man is worse than the first." No 
doubt there is some reason for concern if confes- 
sors, oblivious of the promise-maker's cloudy con- 
ception of things at the moment of the self-re- 
straining pronouncement, insist that the pledge, re- 
gardless of violations, retains binding force until 
the expiration of the appointed time ; but even then 
we may hope that the doctrine of an indefectible 
obligation is unfolded before only such souls as 
give assurance of respecting the same. 

Now these circumstances, by immensely reducing 
the amount of indirectly resulting evil, contribute 
proportionately to the credit of the boys' pledge as 
commonly given. The spiritual damage attaching 
to unfaithfulness falls usually to a single offence, 



2o8 The Pledge 

Instead of constituting four, six, or eight years of 
sin, plus probably prolonged absence from the sac- 
raments. Supposing, then, that even ninety-nine 
have renounced the precious engagement, has this 
one act of undoing Inflicted on all their ninety-nine 
souls such injury as the faithful one-hundredth 
alone, unless preserved by the common movement, 
would have suffered In his soul from a life-long 
drunkard's career? 



SECTION III — ORGANIZATION A POWERFUL SUP- 
PORT TO FAITHFUL OBSERVANCE 

And while pitying unfortunate pledge-breakers, 
have the sympathetic critics numbered the happy 
pledge-keepers formed by thoroughgoing juvenile 
total abstinence associations really able to attract 
boys and to hold them In a state of glad captivity? 

A society of the kind works by removing tempta- 
tion; everybody being under promise, no one Is left 
to raise the laugh on fidelity. Then, each meeting 
of the fraternity is of Itself both a reminder and a 
support for the holy obligation assumed. Further- 
more, the spiritual guide Is constantly in touch with 
those concerned to rout all discouragement from 
drink taken accidentally or through forgetfulness or 
In sickness, and to strengthen souls that waver. 

The great service of sustaining falterers he will 
accomplish partly through exhortation, but chiefly 
by bringing about a more or less general recourse 
to sacramental aid. And this endeavor, let us note, 
permits the spiritual guide to silence a forward ob- 
jection. For, while calling to confession and holy 
communion, he enjoys every facility for explaining 



A ^'Home-Made'' Diploma 209 

things, and so effectually dispels any possible notion 
on the part of his young followers that the total 
abstinence promise and the sacraments are to be 
spoken of In the same breath. 

It seems no rash assertion that a body of pledge- 
takers kept, until about at the end of their teens, 
under the salutary Influence of a live organization 
can always be trusted to make an excellent after- 
showing. Certainly the author Is free to declare 
that his own years of attention to total abstinence 
witnessed results warranting strong assurance of 
fidelity in a large percentage of the boys, and 
grounding moral certainty that at least more than 
half of the number persevered until the assigned 
birthday was reached. The same favorable testi- 
mony we may believe can be given by all other di- 
rectors who have dealt with the matter under the 
same circumstances. 

SECTION IV A "home-made" DIPLOMA 

It Is submitted In conclusion that the pronounce- 
ment of the promise — often coalescing happily with 
formal reception Into the society — should be made 
as impressive as possible by the accompaniment of 
considerable ceremony together with all of the pub- 
licity obtainable. The event Is at its best when 
those chiefly concerned find it filling the church to 
the doors with their friends, and placing themselves 
by name In the next day's papers, "a spectacle to 
the world and to angels and to men." 

Naturally a commemorative document of some 
kind will be given to the heroes of the occasion. In 
providing this keepsake will It not be well to pass 



2IO The Pledge 

by the prints published for universal use and pre- 
pare instead a neat diploma of your own ? The lat- 
ter, identified with the recipients by naming their 
town and church while displaying an enlargement 
of their society emblem, will surely inspire special 
appreciation. If this idea should find favor, a local 
printer, permitted the use of more than one ink, be- 
sides perhaps some gold color, will not fail to pro- 
duce a very presentable certificate. 

The appendix exhibits a diploma of the kind with 
hope that it may afford general guidance or at least 
some suggestion. The document is so offered all 
the more confidently for the reason that it has been 
found worthy of hanging in framed glory on the 
walls of many homes. 



CHAPTER XXII 

THE RELIGIOUS MEETING :— PREPAR- 
ING FOR IT 

SECTION I — SIMPLE, WELL-MEANT ATTENDANCE 
AN UPLIFT 

In order to hold rallies to the best advantage 
we must first carefully weigh each item of their con- 
tribution to the great object of organization: the 
cultivation of a Catholic spirit, especially in the 
matter of recourse to the sacraments. 

Here even a passing glance bespeaks the advan- 
tage obtainable through instructions if well followed 
and through prayers if devoutly recited; but in my 
opinion this hoped-for blessing of the meeting 
should not be allowed to overshadow a remaining 
and ever assured outcome. An advance page 
has called attention to the benefit the society's 
director confers on his followers by simply plac- 
ing them, through routine personal intercourse, 
on a footing of respectful familiarity with him- 
self; let me now claim that the society's gather- 
ing, through nothing more than its routine 
material operation, confers the similar, but far 
greater favor of bringing young folks nearer to 
their religion and to the sacramental presence of 
Jesus Christ. 

It is easy to see how interest in the union's pious 
assembly — even the qualified interest that does not 
command close attention, but only a respectful, 

211 



212 Preparing for the Religious Meeting 

sympathetic attitude — can guide participants in the 
directions named. The first good work (attendance) 
moves to the other good works (closer approach to 
religion and the sacraments) In virtue of kinship 
with them, much as any one, after making friends, 
easily places the latter on terms of familiarity with 
his own immediate relatives. 

Acting, then, by suggestion the sodality's prod- 
uct of optional church attendance at once facilitates 
prescribed church attendance for Sunday Mass and 
is equally Influential in commending its twin sodal- 
ity feature, the monthly communion. In addition, 
the same optional church attendance aids perse- 
verance in the good path chosen; this it accom- 
plishes by more or less disposing one for the rest of 
his days in favor of non-obligatory gatherings be- 
fore the altar and connection with pious societies. 
Obviously, whenever the religious exercises of a 
meeting may achieve the success explicitly aimed at, 
results are Increased; but I, for one, am far from 
condemning a session because marked by my fail- 
ure to say anything really moving for the boys or by 
their failure to say anything that will surely move 
the Lord. 

To repeat : the gain for souls set forth above as 
the paramountly important spiritual object of or- 
ganization seems far from being exclusively de- 
pendent on our uncertain success in having exhorta- 
tions thoroughly heeded or knee bendings devoutly 
made. On the contrary that gain (in substance, 
even though in lesser degree) is sure to follow 
from utterly absent-minded but respectful participa- 
tion in the religious assemblies, for such participa- 
tion is itself an influence moving careless lads to 



How Often Should Meetings he Held? 213 

fidelity and faithful lads toward the inner circle 
of Catholic life. 



SECTION II HOW OFTEN SHOULD MEETINGS BE 

HELD ? 

Naturally the settlement of this point hinges on 
the view advanced in the last section. If it were 
true that the sole, or at least the conspicuously 
chief, result of rallies lies in the direct, ordinarily 
sought fruit of instructions and devotions, then 
the utmost multiplication of the rally would 
become of leading importance, and workers 
would be unavoidably sensitive to any cutting 
down of that feature for the purpose of ratify- 
ing the weak-kneed membership of numerous 
followers. 

To illustrate the line of action sure to be fol- 
lowed under this hypothesis, let us suppose that a so- 
ciety three hundred strong has two hundred trusty 
supporters, the rest being unreliable. The spiritual 
guide, we will assume, foresees that his faithful two 
hundred will do credit to as many as forty meetings 
a year, while the one hundred remaining boys if 
subjected to that pace are sure to drop off. At the 
same time It is clear that the less willing minority 
can be induced to stand firmly by the shorter pro- 
gram of, let us say, fifteen annual gatherings. Un- 
der these circumstances what will the priest do? 
For the sake of the unfortunate prospective truants 
he thinks of reducing the proposed forty meetings 
to fifteen; but is at once staggered by the reflec- 
tion that the change will melt his previously fig- 
ured total of eight thousand annual attendances 



214 Preparing for the Religious Meeting 

(40x200) down to an unsatisfactory four thousand 
five hundred (15x300). 

Now believing, as we have just supposed, that 
aside from the direct outcome of exhortations and 
prayers the assemblies yield nothing worth having, 
the worker can not let eight thousand spiritual im- 
pressions be replaced by half of that number. He 
consequently feels obliged to sacrifice the one hun- 
dred spiritual weaklings altogether, in order to con- 
fer a desirably filled measure of benefit on at least 
his better disposed two hundred. 

SECTION III — ^JUVENILE MEGALOMANIA TURNED 
TO ACCOUNT 

Meanwhile, a very different settlement of the 
presented case will be made by those who join with 
the writer in finding that the rehgious meeting can 
perform its work, as it were, per accidens; i.e., by 
suggesting lifelong Catholic conduct to youngsters 
on hand with a sufficiently thoughtful, hearty amen 
for exercises the directly intended fruits of which 
the youngsters have really missed. Persons hold- 
ing this view will feel that, even with meetings 
largely sacrificed in favor of the less responsive 
class, the society can still accomplish its work on the 
members. 

For here the situation is saved by the marvelous 
boyish enlargement of introspective vision that en- 
ables the possessor to find himself accomplishing 
wonders whenever astir at all. Let Danny under- 
take domestic commissions, class lessons, employ- 
ment jobs, or whatever else you like, and on very 
scant effort he feels that the measure of required 



Juvenile Megalomania Turned to Account 215 

endeavor has been grandly filled to the full. To 
be sure the task-mistresses at home and at school, 
as also the paymaster elsewhere, gradually manage 
to undeceive Danny regarding the supposed splen- 
dor of his achievements in their respective depart- 
ments; but disillusion in certain matters subject to 
scrutiny for results is very slow in relieving our lad 
from a false impression of satisfactory personal 
outlay in fields of activity where no such scrutiny 
occurs. 

Now, with the latter departments of exertion we 
must include the society in which the burden of 
meetings is light. Indeed such a fraternity posi- 
tively humors the youthful way of seeing things by 
gravely accepting a rather trifling amount of at- 
tendance as if ideally extensive. Accordingly, 
youthful megalomania, though ever utterly power- 
less to multiply the direct fruits of instruction or 
prayer, is here at its very best in magnifying our 
heroe's credit for a few good deeds done. Hence, 
Danny, having been coaxed to take part in as little 
as fifteen annual pious affairs, proceeds to line him- 
self up with the pillars of the Faith just the same 
as if his weathered pious church occasions were 
three times as many; and straightway finds courage 
to act in religious matters — Sunday Mass, recep- 
tion of the sacraments, etc. — more or less as he sees 
the other pillars do. 

So we find here a condition of things that amply 
justifies the policy of keeping the rallies at what- 
ever modest figure may be entirely practicable in 
connection with the more careless element of the 
fraternity. How many, then, shall they be annu- 
ally? Naturally varying circumstances of place 



2i6 Preparing for the Religious Meeting 

and time prevent the norm just given from return- 
ing uniform answers to this question. The author 
may, however, venture to interpret the rule for his 
own and like localities; to him it seems that meet- 
ings for New York City juveniles of the present 
day should keep closely to the lowest number pre- 
sented in this chapter; i.e., they should not be more 
than fifteen or twenty a year. 

SECTION IV — ''compel THEM TO COME IN, THAT 
MY HOUSE MAY BE FILLED" 

An arrangement (adopted, as we shall now sup- 
pose) by which rallies are permitted to be of other 
than continuous weekly occurrence involves the dis- 
advantage of freeing our dear dodgers from the 
spell of a regular hebdominal call to duty, without 
which they are liable to forget the obligation as- 
sumed. Perverse juvenile nature, having been too 
slow spiritually for gatherings held in unbroken 
seventh-day sequence, remains too slow mentally 
for gatherings not so held and thereby adds to the 
embarrassment of directors desirous of making 
things easy for their charges. 

This situation can hardly be met satisfactorily in 
any other way than that of serving on the members, 
at least occasionally, printed announcements of 
forthcoming meetings. Other expedients adopted 
for the purpose seem doomed a priori to failure. 
Very commonly it is judged that the assembly be- 
comes sufficiently self-assertive by clinging to cer- 
tain unchanging dates, as the first Monday of the 
month or the first and third Monday, etc. No 
doubt the boys will retain a rule of the kind well 



Meetings Tactfully Adjusted 217 

enough, but their advertence to the rule is to be 
counted on for all Mondays save the right one. 

In some Instances further awakening effect Is 
sought by connecting amusements Immediately with 
the religious doings ; however, not to mention other 
objections. It seems hardly feasible to furnish stead- 
ily on such occasions entertainments of a quality 
to cope with the heavy-weight heedlessness here 
considered. Neither will the desired result be se- 
cured by reminders from the altar. As we all know, 
these are of very uncertain penetration for adult 
ears, not to speak of smaller ones. 



SECTION V — MEETINGS TACTFULLY ADJUSTED 

Whoever may yield to the considerations here 
advanced and submit to the necessity of sending out 
circulars will, I believe, consult both economy and 
success by rejecting the plan of holding assemblies 
at fixed regular intervals (monthly or bi-monthly) 
throughout the year. Let him rather establish 
groups of consecutive weekly gatherings, these 
groups being parted by vacations made long or 
short according to circumstances. 

Under this way of doing the meetings, when- 
ever they may be, occur with the kind of sequence 
that jogs the memory, and consequently they de- 
mand lesser support from notices. In fact, by the 
proposed arrangement, circulars are no longer re- 
quired In advance of each gathering, but have 
merely the mission of heralding the opening of any 
series of gatherings, and go forth only at the close 
of every period of rest. 

But then such periods need not be many. Ral- 



2 1 8 Preparing for the Religious Meeting 

lies having been inaugurated some time in Septem- 
ber will perhaps be broken by a fall vacation, but 
at all events they ought to number eight or twelve 
before yielding to the Christmas intermission; the 
latter can begin in early December, and might as 
well be generously prolonged to cover at least the 
initial enthusiasm of the skating season. Toward 
the end of January or later, the director resumes 
with perhaps seven or eight occasions still in sight. 
These he distributes before and after an Easter 
breathing spell, the latter being lengthened or 
shortened to suit. 

The last of the sessions occurs advisedly early 
enough in May to anticipate the warm weather, 
and is followed by the customary summer closing. 
With the number of interruptions limited in this 
way, printed calls to ensuing groups of meetings 
need to appear scarcely oftener than four times a 
year. 

SECTION VI BOYISH TASTE SUITED 

In conclusion it seems just to make a new point 
for gatherings in groups interspersed irregularly 
with vacations as compared with an equal number 
of gatherings held at fixed intervals throughout 
the year. I would show that the former method is 
the one better adapted to juvenile nature, and con- 
sequently the more attractively helpful of the two. 

Let assemblies be held, we will suppose, bi- 
monthly without any break and, even while sep- 
arately slipping a boy's memory, they collectively 
loom up before him with oppressive ultra-business- 
like solemnity. On the other hand, periods for- 
mally dedicated to repose introduced here and 



At What Hour? 219 

there among the assemblies brighten the situation 
immensely. ^'Vacation," best appreciated by schol- 
ars still unripe and toilers not yet horny-handed, 
lends a charm of its own to everything undertaken 
by the young. 

The two systems are easily contrasted in the 
descriptions they receive from those concerned 
when acting as self-appointed recruiting sergeants 
for their respective societies. Chaps invited to join 
naturally inquire, "how often do you have to 
meet?" and are informed as follows. The apostle 
from the organization of machine-like, monotonous 
operation inevitably transmits, in an uninviting re- 
ply, his own indelible impression of the organiza- 
tion's burden. "Outside of hot weather," he an- 
swers, "we meet twice a month ; that means twenty 
times a year." 

Meanwhile, the enroller from a union exacting 
the same twenty meetings, but under a more insinu- 
ating arrangement, is enamored with his society's 
system of "rest cure" to the extent of quite over- 
looking reverse features. Accordingly his state- 
ment — ^which the writer's own boys readily make — 
IS much more encouraging than the one just quoted. 
"We hardly have any meetings at all," declares this 
fascinated agent; "our sodality is a cinch; it's for- 
ever on vacation." 



SECTION VII AT WHAT HOUR? 

I have raised this question for the purpose of 
entering a friendly protest against the practice of 
holding the sessions during daylight on Sundays. 

Often, no doubt, this method is adopted with the 



220 Preparing for the Religious Meeting 

idea that the members can be collected more easily 
on a day which of itself brings them churchward; 
but experience shows, on the contrary, that the rol- 
licking young people under consideration are quite 
averse to all Sunday spiritual outlay beyond attend- 
ance at Mass, and that their sensitiveness in this 
particular must conflict sadly with the popularity 
of societies making the foregoing distasteful de- 
mand. 

And prospects are not helped, but rather are ut- 
terly ruined, by linking the boys' meeting with Sun- 
day affairs for the little ones — the children's Mass 
or the Sunday-school. Such arrangements prove 
fatal by ruling the entire contingent of older and 
more desirable lads hopelessly out of the count. 

But the more usual motive for holding the so- 
dality meetings by day seems to be an unwilling- 
ness to accept the alternative of bringing the mem- 
bers out of their homes by dark. Elsewhere the 
writer has dealt with what would seem an exag- 
gerated estimate of the dangers attaching to young 
folk's evening outings, and can only hope that his 
views will at least exonerate organizations calling 
boys from the parental roof on a fixed weekly night 
some fifteen or twenty times a year to spend a short 
hour in a place as little dangerous as the Church. 

SECTION VIII V^THERE ? 

A splendid opportunity seems to be missed by 
excluding juvenile religious meetings from the 
church proper and relegating them to the church 
basement or school hall. 

Experience supports faith in giving assurance 



Where? 221 

that Christians in general worship far more fruit- 
fully before God's altar than in any lesser place. 
This truth is so fully recognized as regards grown 
people that the spectacle of a devotional society of 
adults meeting elsewhere than before the taber- 
nacle is a rarity; but what is here found helpful 
to men and women should be judged helpful a for- 
tiori to their juniors; the latter more than the 
former need the stimulus which devotion gains 
from being exercised within sacred precincts. 

And the view just presented gathers force when 
it is considered that our labors are often directed to 
the sons of careless parents. Clearly these neg- 
lected, thoughtless young fellows are all the more 
likely to become attached to their spiritual mother 
if unreservedly welcomed within her material tem- 
ples. Accordingly when such lads begin to make 
salutary approaches homeward, it is indeed sad 
that, for the very exercises through which this 
change of heart is to be perfected, they should be 
led into some secondary parochial assembly place. 

More encouraging treatment will make, as we 
may very reasonably hope, a lasting Impression 
even on such of this class as can not be immediately 
reformed. It is an undeniable advantage to any 
man estranged from the practice of religion and 
breathing an irreligious social atmosphere to recall 
that during boyhood he was entirely at home in 
the very house of God — not merely an accepted 
visitor to its annex, or, for Sunday Mass, to its 
vestibule, but at home in the church itself — and in 
one of its pews, near the altar, which he was cor- 
dially expected to help fill. 



2 22 Preparing for the Religions Meeting 

SECTION IX GROUNDLESS FEARS 

Nor are weighty reasons given for the practice 
here opposed. Some directors urge that, on cer- 
tain important matters, they can speak more plainly 
and pointedly to the boys when the latter are 
strictly by themselves; but assuredly all that need 
be said in common to these sinners can be appro- 
priately delivered in the presence of auditors of 
the opposite sex; and, for that matter, anything ill 
adapted to a mixed congregation may better be 
withheld from the juvenile gathering and reserved 
for confessional explanations to such individuals as 
are especially concerned. 

More frequently our young friends are excluded 
from the church through apprehension that they 
would not behave themselves there in a befitting 
manner. But this fear must yield to the considera- 
tion that a person able to hold juveniles to the de- 
gree of seriousness requisite for a religious meeting 
in any ordinary place will certainly be able to hold 
them before the altar to the greater seriousness 
there demanded. For the sanctuary offers its own 
great contribution of restraint on Catholic youth. 
To be sure this special sacred influence is not con- 
stantly felt by all of the worshipers; nevertheless it 
is at every moment effective on at least many of 
their number and, through these, indirectly exer- 
cises very considerable control over the rest. 

And, finally, meetings held in the church are 
much helped to good order by ipso facto bringing 
in adults who would not follow the youngsters else- 
where and whose attendance, as I have just en- 
deavored to show, is in no wise embarrassing from 



Groundless Fears 223 

another point of view. The presence of even a few 
men and women has marked effect on juniors. In- 
deed, the writer derives such valuable sobering as- 
sistance from this source that he can hardly con- 
sent to hold a meeting when for some special reason 
no grown people will attend; and, on the other 
hand, he is never so fully at ease with his hundreds 
of sodalists as when they are surrounded by their 
elders in numbers large enough to create a difficulty 
in maintaining for the boys the pews allotted to 
their use. 

Whenever the society may be assembled before 
the altar, the sanctuary itself needs to be rescued 
from cheerless vacancy. Happily, however, the 
sacred place is easily filled with individuals who 
have already won our sympathy — the little fellows 
almost but not quite eligible for the association 
proper. Located as described and in whatever 
numbers may be permitted by the space within the 
communion rail, these "clerics" are quite content 
with their seeming near approach to the goal of 
membership. Meanwhile, besides providing an ec- 
clesiastical looking foreground, they can be made 
very helpful to the singing, as the section on musi- 
cal features will explain. 

All things considered, then, the holiest of earthly 
places seems the one in which the junior sodality 
should find its religious home. And, anyway, let 
me state for the sake of clearness that in my re- 
maining pages religious meetings will always be re- 
garded as occurring before the sanctuary light. 



CHAPTER XXIII 

THE RELIGIOUS MEETING :— LOCA- 
TING BOTH THE BOYS AND THEIR 
DIRECTOR 

SECTION I — A MEASURE OF FIRST IMPORTANCE : 
EACH MEMBER TO TAKE AN ASSIGNED PLACE 

The expedient by far the most favorable to the 
maintenance of good order is a strictly enforced 
regulation requiring everybody to occupy a desig- 
nated, fixed pew; the number of which he, from the 
beginning of membership, keeps carefully in mind.^ 

First of all, fixed seats prevent mischief by check- 
mating the Impulse that juveniles follow when set- 
tling down anywhere, of forming, on the basis of 
personal friendship, overcrowded and playfully 
disorderly groups. Chums, of course, can never be 
entirely happy unless all of their crowd are gath- 
ered In a single bunch, and while this display of 
attachment Is unobjectionable on other occasions, 
the same will have to be actively antagonized dur- 
ing spiritual exercises if anything is to be done. 
Couples or trios of youthful bosom friends must be 
considered quite outside of the scope of the divine 
assurance "where there are two or three gathered 
together in my name," etc. ; for such chaps having 
mischief-making as a permanent joint occupation 

^As will be shown later this measure is, besides, well-nigh 
indispensable in large organizations for the accurate marking 
of attendance. 

224 



A Measure of the First Importance 225 

elsewhere, find it difficult to contain themselves 
while side by side in church. 

Happily, however, the system of fixed pews 
checks over-active combinations most effectively. 
Nor is it usually necessary to this result that, in 
allotting places, the director should make it a spe- 
cial point to scatter new arrivals known to be in 
offensive and defensive alliance. As a rule, parties 
will be sufficiently separated by the simple routine 
of taking vacant seats just as the latter occur. 

Again, permanently assigned pews give new aid 
to discipline by facilitating the work of active sur- 
veillance. Under favor of the system, the director, 
easily acquiring and retaining a good idea of the 
whereabouts of each and every member, is able to 
supply the latter with tranquillizing assurance that 
any notable display of levity will be surely and 
speedily treated at its very source. In this connec- 
tion the author has already urged as most impor- 
tant that the organizer should endeavor to know 
every follower by name. It speaks poorly for one's 
control and is a decided encouragement to ^'cutting 
up" if, when the proprieties of the sacred place are 
disregarded, he must reach the offender by a round- 
about description of the latter's personahty or loca- 
tion ; on the other hand, there is masterful snap and 
power in the short, directly aimed warning, "John 
Smith, behave yourself." 

The method here recommended seems far pre- 
ferable to the plan of forming the members merely 
into sections, those of each section having the free- 
dom of a designated lot of seats. The latter ar- 
rangement does not wholly prevent undue crowding 
into any one pew, nor does it in the least restrain 



226 Boys and Director in Religious Meeting 

chums who happen to be of the same section from 
banding together with disastrous effect. And, 
finally, freedom enjoyed by the boys to occupy any 
of several benches leaves the director with a much 
less perfect idea where any of his friends who may 
need special attention are to be found. 



SECTION II STRICT FIDELITY TO THIS RULE 

EASILY OBTAINED 

It is, indeed, most encouraging that the require- 
ment of fixed pews, which in the writer's opinion 
is basic to all management of juvenile meetings, is 
one that can be rigidly enforced without the shght- 
est difficulty. 

A first step in the desired direction consists in 
seeing that newcomers reach their appointed loca- 
tions without mistake. Hence it is well to receive 
candidates in parties, each squad being summoned 
to present itself on an evening prior to that of the 
first meeting to be attended. By this process fresh 
arrivals, besides being toned up for membership 
by a little instruction on its duties, can be 
officially, guided in advance to their respective 
places which afterward they will hardly be able to 
miss. 

Afterward attention to the assigned seat can be 
secured by a rule that any lad sitting elsewhere than 
in his appointed place shall be considered and 
marked absent from the meeting, the penalty of 
suspension for absence meanwhile hovering in sight. 
The effect of this expedient will be strengthened if, 
for the purpose of jogging the memory, each one's 
pew number be kept before him and exacted of him 



Further Precautions 227 

on every possible occasion. It should appear on 
communications sent to the members; on season 
tickets for entertainments, etc. And, finally, each 
lad can be required to write his pew number when- 
ever, e.g., he mails to the director or signs a com- 
munion card. 

These simple arrangements will always be found 
triumphantly successful in leading boys to both re- 
member and occupy their intended sittings. Indeed, 
the writer can certify that in his own sodality the 
offense of getting the wrong place is almost un- 
known. Even after a long four months' suspen- 
sion of meetings, every member marches into the 
church and takes his appointed bench with as much 
precision as if it had served him the evening be- 
fore. 

SECTION III — FURTHER PRECAUTIONS 

But the leader, having located his boys in a way 
unfavorable to disorder, can still consult the same 
good cause by advisedly locating himself. 

Save during the delivery of formal instructions, 
his point d'avantage is never within the sanctuary 
but always out in the middle aisle and therefore be- 
tween the rows of pews. While making informal 
remarks the speaker will naturally remain near the 
altar and more or less stationary. But it may be 
suggested that when not addressing the meeting, 
i.e., during the moments occupied by hymns and 
prayers, he does well to keep in slow movement up 
and down the aisle so as to keep himself in the 
midst of his followers as thoroughly as possible. 
Boys think twice before misbehaving under a su- 
perior whose affectionate ambition is seemingly to 



22 8 Boys and Director in Religious Meeting 

be as close to each of his dearly beloved as he possi- 
bly can. 

And, furthermore, the spiritual ruler easily 
places some extension of his authority at every- 
body's elbow by installing in each pew an officer re- 
sponsible for the conduct of his fellow-tenants. To 
be sure these functionaries, as holding sway over a 
mere half dozen of inferiors, do not acquire any 
keen sense of power, and consequently hardly make 
much exertion in favor of discipline; nevertheless, 
they will occasionally show themselves actively 
faithful to their trust,^ and at any rate are more or 
less pledged to good conduct on their own part; it 
is certainly no small advantage that about one-sixth 
of the members are thus permanently inclined to 
the side of law and order. 

Besides, the minor magnate who reigns over a 
pew, even though he actually does little for dis- 
cipline, will often have the appearance at least of 
being about to do much; and, with this appearance 
confirming the director's seeming reliance, a great 
many of the lads can be zealously ''bluffed" into 
a conviction that any mischief they may inaugurate 
is doomed to instantly suffer a near-by rebuke. 

And never fear that the position just described 
may prove too insignificant to create would-be hold- 
ers. In the first place its incumbents are enthroned 
at the entrance of their respective pews — in the 
writer's sodality they are for this reason called 
"end boys" — and, though neither anatomy, psy- 
chology, nor sociology can explain the reason why, 
that particular location, as constant church-experi- 

*As will be explained further on, these lesser officers can 
become most helpful toward the correct marking of attendance. 



Guard the Exit 229 

ence shows, is Irresistibly attractive to even grown 
men ; be assured it is equally enticing to worshipers 
in their teens. And secondly, as to the honor of the 
thing; American juvenile nature, being Incipiently 
office-holding nature, Invariably does far better 
with a small lift than when not lifted at all; It in- 
stinctively rates any slight command over others as 
a sure stepping-stone toward higher dignities to 
come. 

This sentiment Is especially strong in the older 
lads of our organizations who are really in need of 
some show of authority as an ''evener up" for the 
loss of personal dignity entailed by perseverance 
with junior members. In consequence the leader, 
if awake to the situation, will welcome the plan of 
*'pew-officers" by which many if not all of his more 
Influential constituents can be somewhat satisfac- 
torily "placed." 

SECTION IV — GUARD THE EXIT 

But before proceeding further the writer would 
offer a word on the Importance of providing for 
the close of the meeting, so that it may end in a dig- 
nified way. 

Naturally, when all Is over the cheerfulness we 
have been trying to sustain suddenly acquires unde- 
sirable Intensity and moves the boys to make a pell- 
mell rush for the sidewalk. But this unbecoming 
departure can be headed off by accustoming the 
members to leave the church, under the direction of 
their own officers, in the order of their seats. When 
the outgoing Is so directed I would not have the va- 
cating of pews begin near the altar and extend to- 



230 Boys and Director in Religious Meeting 

ward the end of the church. Under that arrange- 
ment the files of lads marching out are always 
enough between the director and the boys still keep- 
ing their seats to partly screen the latter from the 
former's view. A better plan is to form the line 
of departure from the rear pews, thus leaving all 
of the members, as long as they are stationary, un- 
der the unobstructed observation of their spiritual 
father's kindly eye. 

To be sure, no matter what measures be taken, 
we may expect our young friends to ever be nearly 
as expeditious in getting out as they were in getting 
in. Still it is feasible and important to have them 
retire with some faint appearance of half regretful 
deliberation, rather than as if making their escape 
from imprisonment for life. 



CHAPTER XXIV 

THE RELIGIOUS MEETING :— MAKE IT 
CHEERFUL 

SECTION I — THE EARLY BIRD SHOULD GET ITS 
WORM 

The author claims no special display of wisdom 
in declaring that the first essential for the success of 
boys' religious gatherings is that they be given an 
engaging and enlivening tone. 

It goes without saying that youngsters find little 
difficulty in attending pious assemblies of sunny 
character and that spiritual truths and maxims 
heard therein obtain, all the more easily, an abiding 
place in their minds and hearts. Accordingly, these 
pages will be found but true to their scope when 
they offer certain suggestions through which our 
church exercises may acquire the mild charm just 
named. 

Often enough improvement in this respect can be 
made even before the meeting opens. The occasion 
exists wherever the members who arrive in advance 
of the appointed moment have been required to re- 
main waiting in the scene of the coming pious ex- 
ercises or in some kindred place where offhand 
amusement is out of the question and silence or at 
least "half silence" must be observed. Obviously, 
the boys will find this a rather dreary way of be- 
ginning the evening. 

The mistake, moreover, actively fosters the great 
331 



232 Make the Religious Meeting Cheerful 

annoyance of late-coming by which those in fault 
miss part of the session, besides disturbing it. 
Youngsters deterred by the prospect of a funereal 
reception aim at presenting themselves "just in 
time" ; but their endeavor, while sufficient in theory, 
forev^er creates tardy arrivals in practice. 

Accordingly, the threshold of the assembly will 
brighten up so attractively as to reduce delayed at- 
tendance to a comparatively low minimum if lads 
be given any rendezvous whatever where they can 
be wholly **free and easy" until the exercises begin. 
Should a gymnasium or any other especially con- 
genial center be available, so much the better; but 
in point of fact no other place than the street in the 
church vicinity is necessary, and as for the writer, 
no other has ever been at his command. 

It can hardly matter that this provision for ar- 
riving members obliges them to offend, for some 
moments, against the city ordinance in favor of un- 
obstructed thoroughfares; their temporary occupa- 
tion of the street in nowise conflicts with the spirit of 
municipal legislation, and hence will hardly be no- 
ticed by the authorities. On the contrary, here, as 
in other matters, organizers can always count on 
the hearty support of the police, who, suffering 
from juvenile misbehavior more than any other 
class of men, are correspondingly appreciative of 
undertakings whereby the juvenile public will be 
kept under some moral restraint. 

SECTION II AT THE CHURCH DOOR 

And, while the director will naturally remain 
with his boys gathered beside the house of God, he 



At the Church Door 233 

will probably find It helpful to have also a guardian 
of the peace on hand. The presence of the latter 
will prove In Its own way efficient toward keeping 
the sidewalk clear for pedestrians, and In discourag- 
ing doings unsulted to the surroundings — among 
which doings snowballing deserves to be em- 
phatically mentioned. 

It must be acknowledged that the street-crowd 
which, by this plan, awaits the opening of doors Is 
anything but devout in either Its appearance or ac- 
tivities ; Indeed, one needs no little faith in the well- 
concealed religiosity of boy nature to believe that 
this shouting, whistling, jostling aggregation of 
runners and sliders, pushers and wrestlers will soon 
be metamorphosed Into something of a quiet, 
prayerful assembly. But at the appointed signal 
the rompers begin to show a more serious side by 
quitting their sports for an encouraging movement 
toward the church. It is the custom of the writer 
to guide this approach by having the bell rung 
twice. Its first strokes, heard three minutes before 
the opening of the meeting, warn loiterers who are 
still at some little distance that they must Immedi- 
ately repair near-by ; at the second summons all are 
expected to enter. 

The policeman. If on hand, can now render valu- 
able assistance by extending and perfecting the 
movement on the church doors. This the officer 
accomplishes by becoming suddenly mindful of the 
city regulation against obstructing the streets — a 
measure wisely adopted, of course, for the con- 
venience of the public and especially deserving of 
enforcement after having been accidentally sus- 
pended for a time. While actual and extensive 



234 Make the Religious Meeting Cheerful 

union of Church and State seems undesirable — per- 
fect in theory but fatal in practice — how delightful 
to find Mother Church leaning occasionally on the 
brachium secular e just a little 1 

Hence the consolation experienced by the author 
when one evening the attending officer, who hap- 
pened to be new on the force and not fully con- 
versant with its duties, showed for the cause of re- 
ligion an amount of zeal that was edifying even 
while quite in excess of his legal authority. Not only 
did this representative of the State hurry everybody 
into the church, but he insisted that there they 
should remain. A few victims — lads not at all con- 
nected with the sodality — who had been gathered 
in with the crowd, tried to withdraw, but in vain. 
The policeman, standing club in hand and menacing 
even every furtive glance toward the door, obliged 
all hands to stay until the service was done. 



SECTION III — MISCHIEF TO BE NOT MERELY SUP- 
PRESSED, BUT FORESTALLED 

Undoubtedly the most important endeavor to- 
ward promoting cheerfulness in the meeting now 
begun is that of preventing the least invasion of ob- 
jectionable behavior. 

All disciplinarians of course devote themselves to 
this undertaking, but often they do so as a matter of 
convenience to themselves; while here the same 
course is essential to the success of the work under- 
taken. For, in the present instance, it will not suf- 
fice that misconduct — supposing the same to have 
gathered any considerable head — be merely sup- 
pressed. To struggle, no matter how successfully, 



Mischief to be Forestalled 235 

with notable, developed disorder means to attack 
the promoters of disorder with corrections, scold- 
ings, and punishments which can not but surround 
our proceedings with disastrous gloom. 

However, at the very beginning of the evening 
one is pretty sure of finding a considerable amount 
of bustle and buzz, suggestive of disorder, unavoid- 
ably on his hands. The arrangement of first col- 
lecting the lads out-of-doors, while accomplishing 
its intended purpose splendidly, carries the disad- 
vantage of causing the worshipers to enter the edi- 
fice, not in the sedate small parties that build 
up ordinary church gatherings, but in practically 
one boisterous throng. The unanimity of this 
movement is especially marked in cold, snowy 
weather, which excites in the chilled, expectant 
crowd keen appreciation for the material com- 
fort to be associated with the evening's spiritual 
warmth. 

Accordingly, the incoming of the members oc- 
curs with something like a rush, during which (es- 
pecially as some of the officers and others have rea- 
son for addressing their companions) it is impos- 
sible to prevent all unnecessary wagging of tongues.^ 
And still it will be very sad if the boys, carried away 
by the activities of the occasion, make a bad start by 
engaging generally in unrestrained chatter. A sim- 
ple instrument helpful to the situation is a bell small 
enough for the director's pocket. This little spokes- 
man promptly turns all ears and eyes on its master 
and on the sign-warnings with which he checks 

*In large societies the writer finds medals over-troublesome. 
In this particular the frontispiece is misleading. It illustrates 
the author's former practice, now discontinued. 



236 Make the Religious Meeting Cheerful 

enthusiasm that seems in danger of running danger- 
ously high/ 

Moreover, much can be accomplished toward 
hastening the reign of silence and order by insist- 
ing on the rule that everybody, immediately after 
reaching his place, must kneel like a good Catholic 
and say a prayer. The devotional selection of the 
moment being left to each worshiper, we shall 
hardly expect him to begin the seven penitential 
psalms; nevertheless, while speaking to the Lord 
he will certainly not be "chinning" neighbors; and 
there is hope that, on rising from his knees, he 
will enter into the spirit of the place. 

A still better measure toward straightening 
things out at the opening of the meeting is to plunge 
into the good work of the evening at once. As 
soon as there can be any pretence for claiming that 
most of the members have reached their places, be- 
gin with a hymn. 

Further on I am going to advise that the musical 
part of the exercises be rendered by congregational 
singing, and will offer cheering proofs that such 
vocal effort can easily be made a great success; 
nevertheless it must be freely confessed that the 
opening hymn, judged from ordinary standpoints, 
almost always proves a dismal failure. A few of 
the boys arrive too late for it; more of them, 
though on hand, are not fully ready to begin. Still, 

^At first thought this bell-idea may seem droll ; however, it is, 
in the author's mind, of practical value for indoor manage- 
ment of boys. Very often their superior can nip trouble in the 
bud or enforce some unexpectedly desirable measure if only 
able to promptly dominate other sounds enough to make known 
his demand for immediate attention. This advantage, which 
loud vocal effort or energetic hand-clapping often fails of 
securing, is at once obtained by the gentle but ever distinctly 
heard sound of a little bell. 



Short Meetings the Best 237 

the director does better by ignoring this lack of per- 
fect co-operation, for the hymn, even though sung 
with lesser volume and heart, is anyway a call to 
attention which, by harmoniously outdoing certain 
inharmonious rival sounds, serves as a sort of a 
musically pious wet blanket on the talk and levity 
carried In from the street. 



SECTION IV — SHORT MEETINGS THE BEST 

But the simplest possible effective move in favor 
of order consists in cutting the exercises down to 
suit an audience that discovers in brevity of re- 
ligious doings a rich and deeply appreciated charm. 

A shortening of the evening works wonders by 
depriving misbehavior of its opportunities, and 
thereby sparing the priest action that would force 
cheerfulness to the wall. For the average lad, once 
thoroughly aware that he has gotten himself into 
the church Is largely given to the thought of get- 
ting out again; and if there seems danger of a pro- 
longed stay his anxiety concerning the question of 
exit, while stifling attention to pious proceedings, 
Inspires recourse to mischief — his natural panacea 
for all mundane difficulties and trials. 

Better results are to be expected when our young 
hopeful starts out with entire confidence that his re- 
ligious confinement will be very brief. The chances 
then are that, making a temporary suspension from 
out-of-the-way doings, he will really devote himself 
to the exercises being held. 

Moved by these views, I would have meetings 
last very little longer than the half hour which, ap- 
parently, Is demanded lest the spiritual work should 



238 Make the Religious Meeting Cheerful 

appear to tlie participants themselves ridiculously 
short. And while the service ought to fill at least 
the time just stated, it seemingly should not extend 
beyond forty-five minutes at most. 

SECTION V AN ORDER OF EXERCISES 

But how will these moments, brief as they are, be 
acceptably and edifyingly filled? Directors, of 
course, will differ in their decisions on this very 
important point. The author, willingly stating his 
own practice for consideration, gives here the even- 
ing program he usually follows : 

1. Hymn. 

2. Informal Remarks. 

3. Prayer. 

4. Hymn. 

5. Instruction. 

6. Hymn. 

It will be noticed that the list as just presented 
does not include Benediction of the Blessed Sacra- 
ment, though, under episcopal favor, this service 
usually closes the meetings of pious societies in gen- 
eral. However, in the present instance, there will 
certainly be difficulty in having Benediction regu- 
larly. It leaves comparatively little of our neces- 
sarily shortened time for other exercises, especially 
for the instruction which here is of such special im- 
portance; and, by usually retaining the director 
within the sanctuary, deprives the boys, during most 
sacred moments, of the supervision their conduct 
should receive. Nevertheless, this beautiful devo- 
tion, if not of common occurrence, will be due at 
least on special occasions. 



CHAPTER XXV 

FEATURES OF THE SERVICE REN- 
DERED BY THE BOYS THEM- 
SELVES 

SECTION I — SACRED SONG 

It is difficult to see how any young people's re- 
ligious service can escape the heaviness which would 
be fatal to ours unless some form of sacred chant 
be included in the program. 

A mistake is made, however, in supposing that 
this devout musical feature can be successfully fur- 
nished for the body of members by a separate choir 
composed either of picked lads or possibly of 
grown persons. Far better no singing whatever un- 
less on the free-to-all "congregational" plan. Our 
juvenile friends, taken as a whole, will be far from 
interested in any party of vocalists gathered for 
their benefit, and if compelled to sit its warblings 
through are sure to provide an unwelcome accom- 
paniment of levity in word and deed. 

But the very lads who as an audience are hope- 
lessly inappreciative of things musical become suf- 
ficiently willing or even very willing singers if only 
given a few easy, congenial hymns and permitted 
to do for themselves. It must be admitted that the 
wholly untrained choristers thus obtained are given 
rather to quantity than quality and consequently 
best pleased when imaginatively able to disturb 
things overhead; but, at any rate, they easily be- 

339 



240 Features Rendered by Boys Themselves 

come busy in harmoniously praising the Lord — 
busy enough to safeguard good conduct, and har- 
monious enough to greatly strengthen the tone of 
cheerful piety that the occasion demands. 

Indeed, the great majority of boys in their teens 
have at command so much native vocal sweetness 
and strength combined that their united effort, 
when made with a will, always pleases the great 
mass of hearers. Nor is it even necessary to silence 
the erratic exceptions who, having ''no ear," sing 
at random. Unfortunates of this class, besides 
being very few, are never vociferous and can not 
mar the result noticeably for ordinary listeners. 
Once convinced on these points the director can 
pass hymn-books around with entire confidence 
that hardly anything more need be done. 

SECTION II YOU CAN HAVE THE BOYS SING 

UNLESS A MUSICIAN 

Of course it is likely that selections will have to 
be taught at the start and even from time to 
time afterward; but happily the great majority 
of organizers, though often unaware of the fact, 
are themselves really equipped for this under- 
taking. 

Probably few who may think of making the at- 
tempt are of lesser promise than was the writer 
when he began under warning from musically 
trained friends, conversant with his inartistic short- 
comings, that swift, flat failure would inevitably 
ensue. Encouraged, however, by the elementary 
character of the proposed task, the subject of these 
lugubrious predictions held to the anathematized 



You Can Have the Boys Sing 241 

project and with the welcome result that from the 
first essay to the present time he has ever been fully 
master of the situation. 

Almost everybody can sing a simple air and the 
boys' director, if gifted to that modest extent, Is 
sufficiently equipped for operations. Let him not 
Imagine it necessary for leadership to first acquire 
some mastery over the organ or the vIoHn. Young 
people catch an air all the quicker when It is pre- 
sented simply by the voice of one who sings — 
everybody joining with him — but a few bars at a 
time and with repetitions at every step until the 
entire piece is known. 

To be sure the director who may be wholly at 
sea In the gamut will be considerably embarrassed 
by the need of depending, first, on an assistant to 
teach the hymns, and afterward on some of the 
boys to lead them; but, after all, even this some- 
what handicapped individual Is, for our particular 
case. In probable advantage over one who Is a mas- 
ter of the art. Tiie latter's stumbling-block lies In 
his anxiety to satisfy the niceties of musical taste. 
Dominated by this impulse he is very likely to drill 
his fickle followers with prolonged, dry rehearsals 
Into desertion from the ranks. 

"Don't make us sing," was the advice once 
spoken in the writer's hearing by an Interested 
member to the new director of a sodality which a 
clerical Beethoven had left practically defunct. 
"Don't make us sing, for that was the thing what 
used to make all the fellows scoot." Extra well- 
equipped individuals will overdo things. Accord- 
ingly, we who have merely an elementary musical 
object in view are really blessed if so efficiently de- 



242 Features Rendered by Boys Themselves 

fectlve as to rely on modest preparations in keep- 
ing with our modest aim. 



SECTION III SECRETS OF THE MODEST CON- 
SERVATORY 

Set rehearsals are quite unnecessary. The very 
simple hymns that will answer can be easily learned 
during the course of regular meetings. And, even 
when confined to our ordinary gatherings, the 
work of mastering new selections must not be pro- 
longed until it becomes wearisome. Five minutes 
seem about as many as should be devoted in any 
single session to this purpose; and since every 
hymn can be taught piecemeal it is feasible to deal 
with its different passages at successive rallies un- 
til the entire composition has become famihar. It 
is safe to assert that any new melody after having 
received its allotted five minutes in three or four 
consecutive assemblies will be found ready for or- 
dinary use. 

And fortunately the comparatively few evening 
gatherings recommended for a juvenile society do 
not call for a long list of hymns. A repertoire of 
twelve or fifteen will suffice; for, with that number 
in readiness and assuming that only a trio of se- 
lections be rendered on each occasion, the same 
hymn will be sung, perhaps, only four or five times 
a year. This amount of repetition, while not 
monotonous, proves helpful by forming fresh re- 
cruits into chanters ; these being exercised in only a 
few melodies heard over and over at short inter- 
vals, soon do justice to the hymnals no less than 
their veteran companions. 



Secrets of the Sacred Conservatory 243 

Of course, when choosing material for divine 
service we should endeavor to provide devotional 
airs that are at the same time "catchy," but no 
matter how much some composition may please the 
ear it hardly merits acceptance if burdened with 
any passage that is notably high. Led by their 
constitutional repugnance to spirited effort outside 
of playtime, the common run of boy choristers 
lapse into rather abrupt silence on encountering 
vocal steps that mount considerably upward, and 
forthwith relinquish endeavor until easier traveling 
is reached. 

In asserting the musical sufficiency, or even ex- 
cellence, possessed by a promiscuous collection of 
untrained youthful male voices I have prudently 
made the reservation that the owners of these 
voices sing with a will; but, unfortunately, we are 
dealing with a class of humanity in which indiffer- 
ence and distractions combine easily, often, and 
successfully against hearty effort. While the priest 
will meet this difficulty chiefly by his own inspirit- 
ing appeals, he may find exhortation seconded by 
the following expedients, which have given the 
writer valuable assistance. 

Gare can be taken to have every hymn come 
and go without tarrying long enough to lose its 
charm of novelty. Two stanzas of the same selec- 
tion are entirely safe in this respect; further repe- 
titions run just a little risk of encountering a listless 
reception. And due limitation placed on the num- 
ber of stanzas serves variety still further by leav- 
ing time for an increase in the number of sacred 
pieces to be introduced; an evening Is more enliv- 
ened by three hymns, two stanzas of each being 



244 Features Rendered by Boys Themselves 

sung, than by two hymns, each of them presenting 
three stanzas to be honored. 

Another very simple departure from the beaten 
track by which one may sometimes stir up consid- 
erable emulation is an assignment of successive pas- 
sages of the composition to different sections of the 
church in such a manner that each party of singers 
is heard for a little by itself, while, at other mo- 
ments, all join together in chorus. As has already 
been remarked, the feature here recommended can 
be greatly enhanced by the co-operation of sanctu- 
ary boys not yet of age for places in the pews. 
These tyro lung-workers being conspicuously lo- 
cated are heard to advantage, and by rendering in 
solo style a few bars of their own add greatly to 
the general effect. 

Comparatively few hymns seem to lend them- 
selves to the special treatment just described, but 
as the method should anyway form the exception 
and not the rule its limited sphere of application 
need not cause regret. Matter sung as above will 
have to be printed with indications (preferably in 
a color different from that of the text) by which 
the members, especially the continuously arriving 
new ones, will be able to follow. In illustration 
of this plan the writer here offers a specimen 
stanza taken, with Its "rubrics," from his own col- 
lection. 

MOTHER DEAR, O! PRAY FOR ME 

Gospel — Mother dear, O ! pray for me, 

Epistle — Whilst far from Heav'n and thee, 
Gospel — I wander in a fragile bark. 
Epistle — O'er life's tempestuous sea; 



special Hymn-Book for Your Own Society 245 

Altar j O Virgin Mother, from thy 
boys \ throne, 

All — So bright in bliss above, 

Altar r Protect thy child and cheer my 
boys \ path, 

^ With thy sweet smile of love. 
Mother dear, remember me. 
All \ And never cease thy care, 
'Till in heaven eternally 
Thy love and bliss I share. 

But rivalry, which the foregoing arrangement 
directly invites, can be developed even when all of 
the members are joined together in ordinary 
chorus. An expedient to this end, and one worthy 
of trial should responsiveness to the organ be on 
the wane, is had by inaugurating a formal vocal 
competition between the gospel and epistle sides of 
the church with a few prizes offered for distribu- 
tion among the winners. This measure unfailingly 
stirs up an abundance of harmony, albeit of a 
somewhat muscular type; for in matters of art, 
sacred or otherwise, people must follow their 
ideals, and the boyish ideal of musical excellence is 
a park of artillery in full play. 

SECTION IV — A SPECIAL HYMN-BOOK FOR YOUR 

OWN SOCIETY; ITS STRONG POINTS AND ITS 

DRAWBACK 

As may liave already occurred to the reader, my 
proposed plan of using but a few devout pieces and 



246 Features Rendered by Boys Themselves 

only two stanzas of each has economical bearings 
on the matter of providing hymnals. A dozen or 
so of shortened selections which can be printed at 
slight cost in booklet form or on cards^ — some 
thousands of them — are able to sign an edict of 
banishment for the comparatively bulky and expen- 
sive publications with which juvenile societies are 
commonly burdened. 

Meanwhile, these homemade money savers offer 
additional advantages. They permit lettering for 
special guidance concerning matter to be sung, as 
above, by parties of boys heard in turn; and, be- 
sides, they enable the director to conveniently hold 
in a single set all of his chosen hymns which could 
hardly be found in any one collection elsewhere. 
And, then, the little hymn carriers are always eas- 
ily handled; a convenience that will be more 
and more appreciated as the society grows in 
numbers. Quite a task is involved in placing 
and returning the two or three hundred some- 
what cumbersome regular hymnals a society 
enjoying that figure of membership may have in 
use. 

But, on the other hand, it must be confessed that 
the booklet here advocated is doomed to encounter 
serious ill-treatment at the hands of the flock. I 
freely assert that short, engaging meetings are 
never signalized by the slightest injury done the 
pews or other church fixtures ; but, for all that, the 
destructiveness of religiously confined immaturity 
is constantly visited on the hymnals which seem 

^The writer much fears that printed cards, though he has 
never made trial of them, must prove a troublesomely attrac- 
tive mark for the destructive mania considered in this section. 



At Prayer 247 

to be instinctively classified with school-books and, 
therefore, with the opposition. 

Strange to say, the reverend superintendent finds 
the present attack scarcely ever one of penciling or 
tearing, but nearly always made on the bindings 
(whether of thread or wire) which, in prints of 
only twelve or sixteen pages, are necessarily so ex- 
posed and yielding as to strongly tempt investi- 
gators in their teens. Meanwhile, one notes with 
relief that this mischief is of lesser gravity as being 
worked, it would seem, by the restless fingers of in- 
dividuals whose thoughts are fairly well given to 
the exercises. 

No doubt the undesirable practice could be 
wholly checked, but likely at the expense of sus- 
tained disciplinary effort antagonistic to the tone of 
cheerfulness the meetings paramountly demand. 
Besides, as the friendly enemy almost invariably 
leaves the different parts of the injured booklets in- 
tact, the expense of new thread bindings is very 
light. And it can be borne the more willingly for 
the reason that the simple repairs involved are 
readily made by needy individuals to whom occupa- 
tion will be a charity. 

SECTION V — AT PRAYER 

There is no disparagement of somewhat pro- 
longed devotions {e.g., the sublimely simple five 
decades of the rosary) in declaring that, while em- 
inently suitable to other congregations, they are of 
deterrent effect on a less fervent but numerically 
respectable part of our following, and consequently 
should be excluded from the scope of the boys* re- 



248 Features Rendered by Boys Themselves 

liglous gathering. However, the above drawback 
does not attach to the recitation of very short 
prayers like, for Instance, a single decade of the 
beads; accordingly, some such easy Item of divine 
service should be rendered, and by the members 
themselves. If their meeting Is to acquire a becom- 
ing, spiritual tone. 

The necessity of this pious feature having been 
determined let us see how It can be best obtained. 
In many Instances the plan first thought of Is the 
rather ceremonious and special one of placing In a 
front seat three readers who, acting in concert and 
after the manner adopted by sodalities, lead in the 
recitation of the Office of the Blessed Virgin or of 
some other passage not of everyday use. It will be 
found, however, that this form of devotion, besides 
probably proving of prohibitory duration, can not 
with ease be permanently maintained. To begin 
with it involves the burden of furnishing office 
books or other special prints for the rank and file 
who, unless so supplied, will utterly fail of repeat- 
ing the responses, etc., with any kind of heart. 

But here the chief difficulty lies In providing a 
plurality of readers to lead conjointly. Individual 
competent boys are by no means plentiful, for ow- 
ing to timidity or other causes most youngsters are 
really unable, save with some special training, to 
interpret the printed page publicly with the effi- 
ciency required. Besides the constant ebb and flow 
of membership continually replaces tried helpers 
with successors entirely new to the task. Finally, 
after a co-operative working staff has been secured 
and placed in commission, there is no well-founded 
assurance of its full presence when wanted; any 



At Prayer 249 

evening one or more of the trusted leaders may be 
absent and no substitute available, In which case 
the devout exercises must drag heavily from weak- 
ness at Its source. 

Far more, then, will be accomplished by strip- 
ping the devotions of all that Is ceremonious and 
exceptional and confining them to the short, com- 
mon prayers entirely familiar to the members ; such 
as the already suggested decade of the beads, the 
litany of the Holy Name — which, however, might 
be somewhat curtailed — or the litany of the Blessed 
Virgin. Pious selections of this kind, since they 
are known by heart or at most call for the brief re- 
sponses "pray for us/' etc., immediately ease the 
situation by dispensing with all need of books; and 
while not eliminating leadership they so simplify 
the same that it can be supplied without difficulty. 

Prayers in ordinary use demand comparatively 
small reading ability and at the same time permit 
by their primitive arrangement that on all occa- 
sions a single devout spokesman-in-chlef will suf- 
fice. Nevertheless, the director manages advisedly 
to have two such functionaries appointed. This 
double provision, made ostensibly In order that the 
associated "sky pilots" heard at alternate meetings 
may relieve each other, is fully justified as a meas- 
ure grounding hope that at least one prayer-leader 
will always be on hand. 



CHAPTER XXVI 
THE MEETING ADDRESSED 

SECTION I MISCELLANEOUS REMARKS 

The boys' meeting, in common with those of 
other religious bodies, can be addressed in two dif- 
ferent ways. It offers occasion for a set of general 
remarks on the society's doings, both secular and 
spiritual, and also for a short formal religious in- 
struction or exhortation. The first of these verbal 
features is advantageously placed at the beginning 
of our session; for, inasmuch as dealing largely 
with topics of absorbing interest — the various at- 
tractions going — the general remarks, if made 
early, do much toward popularizing prompt at- 
tendance. Human nature, though little astir re- 
garding gains for the next world, is abundantly 
eager concerning those to be secured here below. 

Nor need it be feared that statements made in 
church on baseball, athletics, entertainments, 
prizes, etc., must of necessity prove out of keeping 
with the sacred place. Such, doubtless, would be 
the result were these things dealt with in a boyish 
spirit; but evil effects do not follow, when the 
speaker, by temperately reserved treatment of the 
trifles in question as well as by his habitual and 
openly expressed aim of subordinating them to holy 
purposes, makes it plain that their consideration 
holds no place of honor. 

Besides, on such occasions even the mere secular 
250 



Miscellaneous Remarks 251 

front of natural attractions can serve a higher pur- 
pose by being made to point to things purely spirit- 
ual, as when, e.g., the hearers are opportunely re- 
minded that their organization is not to be joined 
for the sports, prizes, etc., just brought to their 
attention, but for blessings of a far superior order; 
that an athletic body is unspeakably less desir- 
able than a soul strong in virtue, and that earthly 
amusements are but a shadow of lasting joys to 
come. 

Moreover, the reverend announcer can do still 
better by tarrying a little in the religious fields 
which secular topics will have approached and will 
have helped him to enter. Speaking of the society's 
badge he pictures the public conduct — cleanness of 
speech, freedom from profanity, hat lifted before 
church or priest — expected of one known to be a 
Catholic boy ; arranging for games, he is permitted 
to exhort his hearers to throw the earnestness given 
their sports into the various duties of home, em- 
ployment, or school ; or, proclaiming a coming elec- 
tion, the zealous leader may avail himself of the 
opportunity for wholesome advice as to the kind of 
companions a lad should admire and imitate, and 
so on. 

These miscellaneous remarks are still more per- 
fectly rescued from discredit by the fact that much 
of their subject-matter, being of a strictly religious 
character, permits real doctrinal instruction to be 
given under cover of announcements of interest to 
all. For example : — One must at regular intervals 
give notice of the society's communion day fixed by 
rule; this proceeding invites a few explanatory 
words on the sacraments of Penance and Holy 



252 The Meeting Addressed 

Eucharist. Boys can not be held at church meet- 
ings without hearing at least occasional reminders 
regarding behavior at the same; such admonitions 
lead to unfolding the reason why presence before 
the tabernacle demands genuflections, silence, and 
seriousness, not merely at present, but throughout 
the lives of the auditors. Dues must be collected; 
any announcements concerning them furnishes a 
text for instruction on the Fifth Commandment of 
the Church. Equally profitable lessons can be de- 
rived from statements necessarily made concerning 
other religious affairs. 

SECTION II — THE BEST OF ATTENTION SECURED 

I would not wish to close this passage without 
insisting on the fact underlying present views. It 
is that talks on the ''business affairs" of the or- 
ganization engage the members excellently well. 
Indeed in my own sodality the moments during 
which all give ear to the above practical affairs are 
chosen for whatever would distract from simple 
religious instruction. The attendance books are 
then marked; ballots, tickets, or other such articles 
are distributed ; but even these doings, usually so un- 
favorable to quiet and attention, do not prevent 
minds from being well given to the director's re- 
marks. 

Now this heed given to secular topics is neces- 
sarily extended to associated spiritual subjects, with 
the result that the latter are all the better grasped 
and retained. Preachers accustomed to address 
young hopefuls of the sterner sex, are well aware 
of the difficulty encountered in really mastering 



The Formal Instruction 253 

their attention. It does not at all suffice that dis- 
cipline deprives the restless hands of distracting 
objects and turns the beardless faces directly to- 
ward the speaker; too often, the minds that were to 
be impressed are excursive to the extent of missing 
much, if not all, that is delivered. 

We shall, then, gladly note that for even the 
most serious passages of the mixed talk now consid- 
ered, very fair attention is assured. Our young 
friends are taken by surprise, as it were. While 
giving ear actively and greedily to the great facts 
of this world — games, gifts, or whatever else may 
be on hand — they are at every moment and in the 
midst of their mental alertness shunted off to facts 
that make for the world to come. 

In consequence, miscellaneous remarks on rou- 
tine matters furnish an excellent opportunity. The 
author is, for his own part, so well satisfied on this 
point, that were it entirely feasible to regulate in- 
ternal affairs by another means, e.g., a printed bul- 
letin, he would much prefer the old-style announce- 
ments and would continue to make them simply for 
their efficiency as a medium of religious instruction 
and appeal. 

SECTION III — THE FORMAL INSTRUCTION 

Naturally enough, the "miscellaneous remarks" 
of the last section will always be simple, some- 
what entertaining, and brief; my best advice In 
regard to the second verbal instalment of the 
meeting, the formal exhortation or Instruction, is 
that It also be made to embody the three same 
features. 



254 The Meeting Addressed 

The last-named of the trio of desirable qualities 
is of course the one most easily secured. The 
preacher may find some difficulty in bringing him- 
self to the extreme of simplicity advocated below 
and as much, if not far more, in giving his sermons 
a sufficiently attractive cast, but at least he can al- 
ways set and keep the time limit at will. Some ten 
or fifteen minutes of serious considerations is about 
as much as a group of city boys will bear peacefully, 
and the director should not venture much further 
unless safeguarded by suitable illustrative matter 
which of course affords sure protection for perilous 
homiletic pathways. 

The instruction, in addition to its brevity, ought 
to be melted down to absolute simplicity in point of 
both matter and expression. To be sure, preachers 
preparing themselves to address beginners in life 
always choose easily understood subjects, but it is 
again quite certain that as a rule the same preachers 
are indifferent to an equally needful extreme plain- 
ness in the use of words. This mistake, ruinous to 
good results, argues oversight of a juvenile short- 
coming almost as evident as the existence of the ju- 
veniles themselves. 

The language ordinarily used by educated speak- 
ers is really beyond the firm grasp of boys in their 
teens. Of course the unpreparedness of the latter 
for out and out "jawbreakers" will be unanimously 
conceded; as everybody knows, our young friends 
rarely tackle an able-bodied polysyllabic for a fight 
to a finish save when they meet that enemy in the 
school-speller and groan. And even in regard to 
simpler words, the immature community, after hav- 
ing gained as many of these as suffice for practical 



The Formal Instruction 255 

needs, is slow In mastering more, just as the grown 
public Is slow, as a whole. In familiarizing Itself 
with the new-fangled names of freshly-exploited 
commercial articles advertised In prints and public 
places. Hence, juveniles lean so much to the short- 
est articles of speech as to give a number of the 
same exclusive right of way while treating equiv- 
alents or quasi-equivalents, though only one 
syllable longer, as Interlopers that deserve to be 
"cut." Illustration of this view Is seen In the 
treatment accorded such pairs of words as 
build, erect; chase, pursue; dress, raiment; feast, 
banquet. 

Clearly, then, the boys' preacher, besides limit- 
ing himself to words very commonly employed, 
wisely takes the further step of cultivating the use 
of the very shortest of these common terms. 
I would have him adhere so closely to this 
rule as to tolerate the Inelegant repetition of 
an entirely familiar term rather than admit Its 
less perfectly known synonym; far better to 
be clear tautologlcally than not to be clear 
at all. 

To be sure a few words of troublesome length — 
supernatural, incarnation, infallibility, etc. — hold 
such an Important place In pulpit deliverances as to 
perhaps demand respect; If used, however, they 
can and ought to be explained In simpler terms. 
Furthermore, the preacher should be guarded In 
employing figures of speech. If, as easily happens, 
his metaphors refer to persons and things more or 
less unknown to the audience, the metaphors really 
tend to darken the subject on which they are ex- 
pected to throw light 



256 The Meeting Addressed 

SECTION IV — SOME DISREGARD DUE SIMPLICITY; 
OTHERS FAIL TO ACQUIRE IT 

As the foregoing view openly finds fault with 
the style of speech very often adopted by those 
who give religious instruction to parish juveniles 
in their teens, there should be no surprise if 
voices against the view be raised. It may be 
urged that young people are not such laggards in 
the vernacular but that they grasp most of the 
terms used by their elders and interpret unfamiliar 
expressions by means of the context of the 
discourse. 

I may deal with this defense by asking how its 
promoters would fare had they to listen to a public 
deliverance In which, owing to the speaker's dis- 
tance or physical weakness, his words would fre- 
quently fall short. To be sure the adult meets this 
difficulty by stretching his ears; but the boy, on 
meeting with it, merely stretches himself and starts 
on mental travels elsewhere — unless, of course, he 
perceives something to be opportunely done with 
his neighbor's cap. 

Meanwhile, spiritual teachers who may be con- 
vinced of the need of fully accommodating their 
speech to youthful exigencies are reminded that due 
simplicity of expression does not come with the 
mere realization, no matter how keen, of its neces- 
sity. This truth, though apparently plain enough, 
is very commonly overlooked. To judge from the 
oft-occurring failures made by persons really alive 
to the demands of the situation, we might almost 
believe them to fancy that at the command of their 
will all of the less common words drop temporarily 



Some Disregard Due Simplicity 257 

from memory, leaving only the most ordinary ones 
ready for use. 

On the contrary, be assured nobody will reach 
the absolute simplicity required for the ordinary 
run of boys unless with active endeavor. Here, as 
elsewhere, self-adaptation becomes easy with prac- 
tice; nevertheless, It will hardly be enjoyed at the 
start save by a preacher who gives himself the 
trouble of writing beforehand the words to be used, 
or at least of carefully picking them out in advance. 
And whether In the earlier or later years of the 
apostolate, the process of passing from the ordi- 
nary language of intelligent adults to the ele- 
mentary clearness of expression here called for de- 
mands an amount of effort and care almost com- 
parable to that involved in translating from one 
tongue into another. 



CHAPTER XXVII 

THE STORY INSTRUCTION :— VERY 
HELPFUL AND EASILY HAD 

SECTION I A DEEPLY-FELT WANT 

It is entirely safe to assert that the wide world 
over there has never been a juvenile society director 
of any experience but has keenly felt the necessity of 
enlivening his Instructions with stories, whether 
drawn from fiction or from fact. At the same time 
there Is a common complaint of an almost complete 
dearth of Illustrative matter suitable to parish boys 
In their teens. This complaint has occasioned the 
present chapter and the following one, both of 
which are offered with the hope of providing relief. 

But to deal with the matter Intelligently we must 
first of all note that the entertaining accessories uni- 
versally employed by those who address young peo- 
ple are In our particular field of new and special 
Importance. The present audience Is not made up 
of school-boys moved to attendance and attention by 
external discipline and superior mental equipment, 
but of all sorts, Including usually a preponderance 
of youngsters whose presence at meetings Is practi- 
cally with no backing save their own good will. 
Moreover, the parish juniors now considered are 
not to hear a missionary father or other visitor 
clothed ex officio with special power to draw and en- 
thuse; these slippery members of the congregation 
are to be profitably located and kept within the 

258 



A Deeply 'Felt Want 259 

range of their own director's tlresomely familiar 
voice. 

Obviously these differences call for correspond- 
ing adaptation of treatment. In the presence of 
lads assembled under the more favorable of the 
above circumstances enlivening features are of lesser 
consequence; such features will then do if fitted 
for their ordinary functions of helping to elucidate 
and permanently imprint the subject-matter while 
stimulating the attention of hearers who, in virtue 
of some spontaneity, are already appreciably with 
the speaker. But, when the juvenile church society 
Is to be addressed, entertaining items ought if possi- 
ble to perform the more elementary service of help- 
ing to attract the intended auditors within ear-shot. 
Furthermore, they must certainly be relied on to 
gain and hold attention which, in the case of the 
present hearers, is supported by no spontaneity 
whatever and to be had only while coaxed. It fol- 
lows that for the special purpose before us enter- 
taining items should possess the very highest of 
such natural interest as boy-nature appreciates 
most. 

The criterion thus obtained directs preachers of 
ordinary power to but one form of illustration; it Is 
the narration of stirring Incidents. For no matter 
what may be justly said of other departments of 
literature, the accounts just named — the stock In 
trade of successful juvenile-writers — are the only 
ones calculated to be warmly appreciated by the 
average youngster. 

Unfortunately, the accepted criterion operates 
largely against the sources of illustration sure to 
be first thought of; I mean the Sacred Scriptures 



26o Story Instruction Very Helpful 

and the lives of the saints in their original forms. 
To be sure these revered documents abound in 
events of a thrilling kind (miracles, martyrdoms, 
and the like), but, after all, the same events are 
usually thrilling in their supernatural bearings alone 
and do not prove intensely moving from a merely 
natural point of view. 

This is but another way of saying that the es- 
sential character of the inspired Book and the saints' 
biographies prevent them from rendering exten- 
sively the special service now required. They have 
been written, not for the purpose of pleasing the 
reader, but to state the truth ; and consequently have 
only infrequently occasion to picture situations 
{e,g,, villains thwarted, parted dear ones reunited, 
poverty suddenly replaced by wealth) of the high- 
est dramatic interest. Of course biblical and 
hagiological passages should be utilized, but for the 
purpose of bettering the hearers rather than of 
drawing them; for usually such passages prove 
really attractive to only a few boys already hap- 
pily grounded in the piety with which we would in- 
spire the crowd. 

SECTION II SEEKING RELIEF 

And, while illustrations must first of all present 
highly colored transactions, it is not at all to be 
imagined that our auditors are indifferent regard- 
ing the classes of persons made to appear. Ju- 
veniles always much prefer to follow heroes fash- 
ioned after juvenile ideals, and these, sad though 
it sometimes be, are soldiers, sailors, robbers, de- 
tectives, circus performers, theatrical people, and 



Seeking Relief 261 

other worthies or unworthies of more or less des- 
perate make. Furthermore, even the foregoing 
persona grata can do little for the cause unless 
permitted to play their parts in the midst of the 
stirring occupations after which they are named. 

Doubtless this reasoning as to the cause of the 
existing famine has to some extent foreshadowed 
the writer's plan by which the situation may be 
materially improved. Frankly recognizing the 
"taking" story as a much-needed helper in the par- 
ish boys' instructional field, he would, for most oc- 
casions but not invariably, utilize suitable recitals 
boldly appropriated from the shelves of clean, pop- 
ular fiction; he would so combine these selections 
(shortened to suit) with the presentation of re- 
ligious matter as to make each of the former begin, 
keep pace, and finish with its allied exposition of 
one or more catechetical or moral topics. 

Accordingly, every such auxiliary accepted from 
profane authors is to stand this essential test : — by 
openly inculcating some moral lesson, or by na- 
tive readiness to be found suggestive In the desired 
direction, or by a make-up permitting favorable 
modification, the selection must provide suflUcIent 
support for a fair allowance of associated spiritual 
pabulum.^ Hence the resulting form of discourse 
seems appropriately called "Story Instruction." It 
amounts to a close partnership of the entertaining 
narrative with religious teaching. By co-operative 
agreement the story — which enacts the part of 

^Though the remark may be altogether unnecessary, adoption 
of this suggestion can never give ground for conscientious 
concern. Literary alterations made by an individual for his 
personal use before others constitute no infringement either 
legal or moral on the rights of authors. 



262 Story Instruction Very Helpful 

senior partner and leads the way — is silent when 
something better than its own outgivings is to be 
said while the instruction often pauses (though 
never unbecomingly long) for its companion's 
needful support. Together, they form a whole- 
some combination to which boys are forced to open 
first their ears and afterward usually their minds 
and hearts. 



SECTION III- 

Naturally it is to be expected that some who 
may adopt the proposed way of doing will at first 
experience difficulty in engrafting religious matter 
on the literary contributions at hand. Hence the 
writer would facilitate things by offering at least 
a few expedients each of which, as is believed, will, 
by a process of development or by more radical 
treatment, bring a number of tales into readiness 
for use. 

First of all, embarrassment should quickly dis- 
appear regarding accounts that seem to actually 
bid for patronage by formally devoting themselves 
to the support of one of the virtues or to warfare 
against some vice. Here the preacher has merely 
to improve and enlarge on the moral view already 
presented. If in the story worldly-wise integrity 
has been placed on the pedestal, he shows honesty 
to be '*the best policy" for the next life, more even 
than for this, and gives matters a most practical 
turn by explaining, e.g., the thief's obligation of 
making restitution. Should drunkenness in its 
earthly results have been pilloried, the priest (or 
religious brother) passes from that phase of the 



Edifying *^ Plagiarism*^ 263 

subject to the spiritual ruin worked by intoxication 
and perhaps takes up the question of the total ab- 
stinence pledge. 

Another inexpensive way of making the secular 
narrative look heavenward is by leading the audi- 
ence to freely draw from the plot certain religious 
considerations that the turns of the plot are easily 
found to suggest. Thus the history of a murder- 
ous attempt brings to mind the hatefulness of the 
Evil One, or the malice of bad example; a descrip- 
tion of watchful carei exercised under thrilling cir- 
cumstances over life or property bespeaks the pro- 
tection accorded us by our guardian angels; and 
so on. Clearly one is always able to give full con- 
sideration from the spiritual viewpoint to the fore- 
going ^'hatred," "malice," "protection" or the like, 
without finding need of impairing in any way the 
flesh and blood interest of the helpful theme that 
has served as his starting point. Indeed the pres- 
ent way of managing involves no change whatever 
in the priest's literary selection and does no more 
than reverse the usual co-ordination of pulpit-mat- 
ter. Instead of delivering instruction that intro- 
duces a story, his Reverence now relates a story 
that introduces instruction. 

On the other hand, the remaining proposals here 
offered for the important task of pressing fiction in- 
to service demand actual departures from the 
printed pages concerned, but such slight departures, 
let me add, as will tax ingenuity no more than 
slightly. Thus I now offer for any tale of requisite 
susceptibility this modicum of treatment that it be 
retouched merely to the extent of causing its hero or 
one of his associates to be effectively moved by the 



264 Story Instruction Very Helpful 

spiritual suggestions of his environment. By means 
of this gentle liberty taken with the text a lad stung 
by false accusation of theft realizes thereby the 
enormity of some vice he has really been practis- 
ing but in secret; or a reckless adventurer facing 
almost certain death conceives thereby the idea of 
intelligent, fervent recourse to perfect contrition; 
and possibly becomes so fully alive to the vanities 
of this world as to henceforth pine for the religious 
life. 

Clearly the present method attaches the spiritual 
element to the profane element more effectively 
than does the method just preceding. A group of 
boys, albeit under the preacher's guidance, may be 
a bit slow in perceiving by a sort of discovery of 
their own that certain circumstances in the story 
bespeak certain religious views ; but the group will 
never miss any religious-course thought, spoken or 
acted by an acceptable performer whom an accepta- 
ble story has placed before them. It is to be noted 
that once an addition of this kind has been made to 
the plot, a corresponding addition must follow. It 
belongs to the "fitness of things" that the character 
who has been led to draw a practical moral lesson 
from his environment be afterward enabled to 
make some dramatic display of his new spiritual 
status, by which display the fact of the character's 
betterment will be grandly and edifyingly con- 
firmed. 

A proceeding somewhat similar to that just ex- 
plained is proposed by my fourth and final recipe 
for whipping fiction-passages into line. Many 
of these passages will permit one of the persons 
represented, presumably the hero, to cherish at- 



Edifying *^ Plagiarism** 265 

tachment to something pious — Mass or holy com- 
munion, the beads or scapulars, daily advertence 
to the four last things, etc. — or to some vice ; and 
the mere statement of such attachment will always 
suffice for the introduction of ample explanation 
of the sacrament, sacramental, doctrine, or wrong 
doing that is shown as being held in favor. Now 
if, as must often happen, the plot thus altered at 
the start will permit a further variation or two by 
which, e.g., Mass, or holy communion or the scap- 
ulars, etc., triumphantly produces its hoped-for re- 
sults or by which vice is sternly rebuked, then the 
creation of a very effective "Story Instruction" is 
assured. 

In closing at this point my suggestions for deal- 
ing with the printed auxiliary I must emphatically 
declare that these little processes, ventured because 
of their separate handy bearing on a number of 
profane recitals, do not at all limit our ability to 
control such recitals; on the contrary they leave a 
wide field for the inventiveness that will change 
the characters and doings of the fiction-world in 
ways apart from the foregoing and hardly reduci- 
ble to any sort of general rule/ 

*The choice of necessary selections may, perhaps, be helpfully 
guided by the following remarks. It is not advisable to rely 
exclusively on juvenile books. Suitable incidents may quite as 
frequently be yielded by matter prepared for adults; though, 
of course, when affairs can be so arranged, it will usually be 
preferable to picture the hero as a boy. 

While it is of little consequence what number of minor 
actors are made to rise and then disappear for good, care 
should be taken not to admit anything requiring too many 
leading characters. Auditors of a narrative, unlike its readers, 
can not go over names, etc., a second time in order to imprint 
them well on the memory, and easily become confused if 
invisible performers in considerable numbers must be followed. 



266 Story Instruction Very Helpful 

And, finally, many a director might most hope- 
fully strive for self-support in the present matter 
by writing little "charmers" of his own/ Here as- 
suredly nothing will be lost by experimenting; so 
If one has never attempted the task why should 
he not give it trial? And there is much en- 
couragement in the fact that the spiritual guide, 
being In touch with boys in their teens, brings to 
the proposed undertaking a gift of practical dis- 
cernment to forecast what is likely to "take" and 
what would certainly fall flat. With such prepara- 
tion he may, in this particular field, easily equal or 

The adaptation of promising productions includes not only 
the task already suggested, of turning them into the simplest 
of English, but also the frequent one of pruning the originals 
of details little or not at all interesting to boys. These hearers 
are very far from demanding the carefully prepared descrip- 
tions of persons or the historical, geographical, and climatic 
shadings by which authors place their characters and scenes 
in accurately arranged settings. All that our young friends 
care for is simply to know whom the story is about and what 
happened to him. Indeed, further information thrust upon 
them is likely to be regarded as a sort of imposition on good 
nature. 

Pursuing the same course still further, I would consult the 
spiritual tone of the entire deliverance by denuding the enter- 
taining element as much as may be, without sacrificing either 
its clearness or its interest. To this end one replaces many a 
conversation with a condensed statement of its gist, runs by 
questions that are clearly understood in their answers, and in 
other ways keeps the performers in brief, rapid movement. 

In this connection let me submit that, while the actors must 
always be plainly indicated, there is good reason for pointing 
them out when possible by the informal terminology of busi- 
ness or professional occupations, etc., rather than by the more 
complimentary use of family names. By treating the char- 
acters of the story with the scantest of sufficient courtesy the 
speaker does much toward emphasizing the fact that, like 
players paid to enliven the feast, they are given a hearing not 
for their own sakes but for a service rendered. 

^At the date of this book's publication the author's "Story 
Instructions" founded on original tales are appearing in the 
Messenger of the Sacred Heart. 



The *'Long" Story — Unobjectionable 267 

even surpass far abler writers not on the same close 
footing with the special class addressed. 



SECTION IV THE "LONG STORY — AN UNOBJEC- 
TIONABLE AND EFFECTIVE CALL TO 
ATTENTION 

No shock need be experienced from the fact that 
in the *'Story Instruction" the narrative alone 
proves to be of a length quite unusual with pulpit 
illustrations. This result has been clear from the 
start. The recital is required to produce at least 
one situation highly interesting to boys, but this 
the recital can rarely accomplish unless under favor 
of a material development far outdoing that of the 
ten-sentence pious legends almost exclusively in 
vogue. 

Neither can such development be rated objec- 
tionable unless the fiction-passage be given right of 
way regardless of the two following limitations 
which are absolutely called for. First, as has been 
remarked earlier, the lighter element of the "Story 
Instruction" must leave a sufficiency of space for 
adequate appearances on the part of its more im- 
portant companion. To this restraint add the con- 
dition demanded by religious proprieties that the 
entertaining selection must never keep the floor 
to the extent of forcing the preacher to tarry un- 
becomingly on a continuous stretch of secular de- 
tails. But the latter incongruity, like the former, 
has been obviated by the submitted plan, which 
provides that the higher element shall be united 
with the lower one so closely as to give every pro- 
fane incident the evident mission of aiding some 



268 Story Instruction Very Helpful 

near-by spiritual matter. Hence, in the present 
form of discourse, the length of the secular auxil- 
iary can never give priests the appearance of enter- 
taining for entertainment's sake alone and, conse- 
quently, can not detract from the seriousness their 
sacred calling demands. 

Happily, when, compliance with the foregoing 
conditions has qualified the well-grown helper 
from the popular library, there is an Increase of 
advantage in the fact that the same printed helper 
gathers Into a single extended plot the entire even- 
ing's allowance of sugary encouragements rather 
than leaving them to be given out through the 
medium of two or more shorter accounts. For in 
the present Instance the concentration of good 
things Is desirable as endowing the heavily and 
beneficently laden sole recital with unrivaled effi- 
cacy in continuously riveting to the speaker the 
thoughts of his giddy auditors. 

My assertion In this particular will be fully 
credited by those familiar with the fluctuations of 
Interest that usually occur In the juvenile gathering 
accordingly as It is treated homiletically to des- 
sert or to plain fare. A general straightening up 
and a hush of extra breathless attention invariably 
greets the newly born item of illustration at Its 
very first appearance in dry environment. To be 
sure this movement, as betraying some mercenary 
regard for the preacher's words, is not wholly sat- 
isfactory; still it is, all things considered, of a pro- 
gressive nature and therefore need not excite com- 
plaint. 

But, alas ! a serious drawback is in waiting ; the 
rapt attention easily obtained for the story weakens 



The ^^Lon^* Story — Unobjectionable 269 

abruptly and painfully as soon as directed to re- 
ligious applications of the same. No matter how 
deftly the director may pass from the festive notes 
of fiction to the everyday "humdrum" of Chris- 
tian doctrine and practice, the transition is almost 
certainly attended with a visible return of former 
indifference. 

Evidently the exhorter^s main hope with such 
uncertain hearers Is his preparedness to keep them 
In a state of constant expectation. If able to stand 
In seeming permanent readiness to draw from an 
unfailing reserve fund of entertaining matter, he 
will always be followed lest something worth hear- 
ing should slip. Now this vantage position is se- 
cured far better by the interwoven events of a sin- 
gle extended tale than by a plurality of equally in- 
teresting but wholly disjointed Incidents. Each 
of the latter comes and goes without power to 
speak for its fellows yet to appear; neither will 
the preacher feel able to suffix any enlivening Item 
with the announcement that more of the kind are 
to come. 

But my new form of pulpit endeavor, founded 
as it Is on some considerably developed fictional 
passage, serves the desired notice automatically. It 
begins by unfolding an account which, though sub- 
ject to interruptions. Is seen to have a future; this 
live narrative, then, makes the speaker's ^'reserve 
fund" a gladsome reality and is sure to concen- 
trate attention on every word he utters, at least un- 
til the entertainment-curtain has dropped.^ 

^As it is obviously important to guard against an undignified 
peroration, care should be taken in handling the last instal- 
ment of illustrative matter. If the boys perceive it to be final 
— and they soon come to know the time limit as well as the 



270 Story Instruction Very Helpful 

These considerations it is hoped show that, for 
the present audience, the customary instruction en- 
livened by disconnected short illustrative items 
makes a poor second to the one here offered. The 
former discourse is little calculated to draw hear- 
ers; the latter does much toward gathering them. 
Furthermore, the established form of endeavor 
fails to keep auditors constantly on the alert, while 
its "upstart" rival scarcely ever lets them miss any 
point of doctrinal exposition or devotional appeal. 

At the present point, however, let us hear a critic 
not yet won over. "There is nothing In all this," 
he will urge, "to prevent the fictional element of a 
deliverance from actually outmeasuring the re- 
ligious element." Certainly not; provided, of 
course, the latter Is allotted enough space that It 
can be effectively proclaimed. Once more let me 
place a reminder that we are not providing for con- 
gregations that gather easily and listen well, but 
for congregations that gather with difficulty and 
hardly listen at all. Why be alarmed that a lesser 
amount of soul-aiding truth Is expressed when a 
larger amount of the same is heard and absorbed? 

preacher himself — any prolonged deductions invite restless 
movements and unsuppressed yawns expressive of a premature 
and almost irreverent amen. Accordingly, it is an advantage 
if the very last words spoken are those of the expiring story. 
When this can not be, I would try to make the necessary 
application consist of two or three telling sentences placed on 
display abruptly and before the listeners have had time to 
take alarm. 



CHAPTER XXVIII 

THE STORY INSTRUCTION CONSID- 
ERED UNDER A SPECIAL FORM 

SECTION I — ^A SELECTION THAT BOYS WILL 
FOLLOW 

Becoming at this point so bold as to attempt 
the illustration of an illustrative attempt, I am go- 
ing to ask readers to tarry while a Story Instruction 
is being prepared from its start to almost its finish. 

This course is chosen in order to show en pas- 
sant and by an object lesson what encouragingly 
slight changes in the details of a profane passage 
will sometimes so transform it as to make it deal, 
at every turn, with matters pertaining to our Faith. 
But the chief purpose of the undertaking is to ap- 
ply the new plan for evangelizing youth after a 
fashion especially liable to provoke criticism, which 
criticism will be considered further on. By means 
of such an exhibit, seemingly, I shall be all the 
more easily understood later when formulating the 
predicted objection and making reply to the same. 

Entering, then, upon the proposed task we must 
first of all appropriate the required suitably inter- 
esting secular recital. The one selected runs as 
follows : 

"Years ago a gentleman, strolling in Central 
Park, New York City, happened to rest on a bench 
near the Arsenal and there dozed off. However, 
the supposed sleeper became enough awake to 

271 



272 Story Instruction Under Special Form 

catch a man trying to pick his pocket and had the 
latter arrested. The next day, strangely enough, 
the gentleman who had caused the arrest refused 
to appear in court against the other and openly de- 
clared himself very glad to see the prisoner re- 
leased. His reason for this was that the pick- 
pocket had proved to be, beyond all doubt, a 
worthy but very poor person who had only at- 
tempted to obtain as much as was necessary to keep 
himself, his wife, and children from starving. In 
fact the kind-hearted individual who had declined 
making any charge pushed his charity much 
further, giving great assistance to the well-mean- 
ing pickpocket and his family. The wife and chil- 
dren were supplied with food and clothing, while 
the man himself received employment by which he 
was enabled to make a new and most successful 
start in life. 

"After several years, those here mentioned were 
far apart and had wholly dropped from one an- 
other's knowledge. The person once so kindly 
treated, having risen to be a very wealthy mer- 
chant, was residing in one of our western States. 
Meanwhile, the gentleman whose goodness we have 
seen had left this country for a distant land where, 
unfortunately, he lost all of his property and 
became penniless. 

"A long time after the foregoing arrest the 
western merchant, happening to be back in New 
York on a business trip, took a walk through Cen- 
tral Park rather late in the evening and found 
himself near the Arsenal, where the turning point 
of his life had occurred in such a strange way. 
Reaching the place he reflected: — 'Since the affair 



i 



A Selection that Boys Will Follow 273 

happened, twenty-five summers have come and 
gone. Of course after so many years this can not 
be the same bench, but anyway it stood right here. 
Now thank God,' he continued while seating him- 
self, *I am very far from needing to repeat what I 
once did at this spot.' Then resting his head like 
one asleep the gentleman gave himself up to 
thoughts on the past. 

"While so occupied, he saw that a man who had 
been at the opposite end of the bench was getting 
nearer and nearer. Still the merchant pretended 
not to notice, and after a little the other tried the 
supposed sleeper's pocket. No doubt the pick- 
pocket would have been arrested only that the in- 
tended victim was moved by reflections concern- 
ing the past. *How like my own affair!' he 
thought; 'possibly this criminal is no worse than I 
was, and deserves as much kindness as was shown 
myself!' 

''Accordingly, the western man, instead of calling 
on the police, spoke kindly to the pickpocket, who 
at once declared that he was starving and asked for 
one dollar. 'I shall oblige you most willingly,' an- 
swered the merchant, taking the bill from his vest 
pocket. 'Thanks ! that will do,' muttered the other 
as he withdrew with what had been received. But 
the giver soon found that he had made a mistake. 
By taking from the wrong pocket, he had given, 
not one dollar, as was intended, but a one-hundred 
dollar bill instead. 

"The next morning the loser, looking over the 
morning paper, read the following curious and, to 
him, very interesting advertisement: 'The man 
who needed money last evening and received by 



274 Story Instruction Under Special Form 

mistake one hundred dollars in place of the 
single dollar that was asked for will be found in 
the basement of the address given below. If 
the gentleman who gave the one hundred dollars 
will kindly call he will receive his money 
back/ 

"The merchant, much pleased to find that he 
had to deal with a 'pickpocket' as free from evil 
intentions as he himself had been when driven to 
the same course, went at once to the address given ; 
where, in friendly meeting with the money seeker 
of the previous evening, he found that the latter 
was no other than his friend and benefactor; the 
very person through whom, a quarter of a century 
before, he had been placed under arrest and after- 
ward made the recipient of so much kindness. 
This excellent soul, having become penniless, and 
through 111 health unable to work, had been prom- 
ised that within half a week he would be given a 
place in a charity home; however, the poor man 
had nothing at all to live on during the three or 
four days that remained before the institution could 
accept him. Pushed by want, he had first turned 
to begging, but gaining nothing by that course had 
gone after dark near the Arsenal to try for money 
by the same means once practised there on himself; 
this with the result of meeting the much-esteemed 
friend of former days by whom the money-taking 
lesson had been taught. 

"As for the merchant, he greatly rejoiced in the 
opportunity thus afforded of repaying overflow- 
ingly the kindness long since extended to himself 
and his dear ones in their period of woe. The sec- 
ond well-meaning pickpocket of our story no longer 



Rejected and Accepted 275 

needed the charity home for which he had been 
booked ; at that very moment he was taken into the 
western family to become one of its members for 
the rest of his life." 



SECTION II — REJECTED AND ACCEPTED 

Here, then, is a recital which is doubtless of the 
kind congenial to boys — it begins and ends with 
apparent rascality — what more can be asked ? — ^but 
now comes the question, how is the same to be util- 
ized before a congregation of juveniles? A priest 
wedded to the established usage regarding illus- 
trative matter will have to answer this query 
with a regretful shake of the head. It is, of course, 
clear to him that, with explanation of the licitness 
of taking from the neighbor for immediate relief 
in extreme need, the story^s happy close would set 
off a discourse on the seventh commandment. But, 
then, the story's happy close proves to be practi- 
cally out of reach. In other words the present ex- 
aminer finds that the account, even though it be of 
a helpful tone, is too long; how can he dream of 
taking the audience through the round dozen of un- 
broken secular details that lie between the opening 
of the tale and its sufficiently acceptable termina- 
tion? From the ordinary viewpoint, then, this 
specimen along with a multitude of similar inter- 
esting creations which it represents is condemned as 
being sterile of assistance. 

But, meanwhile, the question how to utilize the 
given recital is answered confidently by him who 
has entered into the idea of the Story Instruction. 
To be sure, the latter worker will hardly be able to 



276 Story Instruction Under Special Form 

apply In the present instance any one of the last 
chapter's four methods for rendering secular ac- 
counts available; but, as has been remarked, those 
methods by no means limit the Story-Instruc- 
tion builder's activity. On further examination, 
then, our enterprising investigator perceives, as 
may be assumed, that the account before us can be 
fully attuned to his purpose by a couple of appar- 
ently unimportant additions to as many of the per- 
sonalities represented. By these alterations the 
gentleman who first showed kindness becomes a 
Protestant minister, while the recipient of the 
clergyman's kindness as well as the recipient's fam- 
ily are pictured as earnest practical CathoHcs. 
Having changed things to this slight extent, the 
Story Instructor forthwith proceeds to gather figs 
and grapes where his predecessors in the boy-saving 
apostolate have seen only thistles and thorns. 

SECTION III UNDER TREATMENT 

Developments resulting from the above modifi- 
cations will furnish religious topics with inviting 
settings as follow : 

In practising charity toward the first 'Villain" 
that appears in the piece and the ''villain's" dear 
ones, the non-Catholic clergyman was as usual as- 
sociated with members of his non-Catholic flock. 
Naturally these together with their reverend leader 
pressed the beneficiaries to attend the Protestant 
church, the young people for Sunday-school and 
their parents for regular service. The invitation, 
however, was gently but firmly declined by the 



Under Treatment 277 

Catholic clients whose steadfast refusal now sup- 
plies an excellent opportunity for explaining the 
duty of the faithful In the matter at Issue. 

But the inability of the conscientious family to 
follow Its benefactors churchward only stimulated 
practical gratitude In another direction. From that 
time on the parents and children kept the daily 
practice, when gathered for devotions, of praying 
for their kind friends, and especially for the min- 
ister himself, that God would grant them the gift 
of the true Faith. Here It is entirely feasible to 
discourse on prayer, especially as a striking re- 
sponse to the present appeal easily follows. 

According to the original account the persona 
dramatis drift. In the course of years, far apart. 
So we are free to send the minister for missionary 
work to distant China where, by becoming a Catho- 
lic and at the loss of means of livelihood, he pro- 
vides on the one hand an answer to the petition of 
his old-time friends and, on the other, a good text 
for describing the gladly-borne sufferings of our 
confessors and martyrs. 

And, finally, when the former clergyman's hon- 
est return of money given by mistake has inculcated 
a closing edifying lesson, we realize that our story 
as a whole has been made helpful to religion far be- 
yond its weak original promise. United in close 
companionship with higher matter, the passage can 
no longer be accused of offering any objectionable 
stretch of unbroken secular details, but rather at 
every step its entire precious hold on attention Is 
made over to the consideration of this or that re- 
ligious subject. 



278 Story Instruction Under Special Form 

SECTION IV RELIGIOUS TEACHINGS ARE PRE- 
SENTED BECOMINGLY WHEN THEY SEEM SO 
TO THE BOYS 

And, now that my specimen discourse has been 
fully outlined, let us look to a difficulty which it 
raises; and which, indeed, it has from the start 
been announced to present for consideration. Some 
observers, while accepting the Story Instruction 
in its general plan, will condemn the same instruc- 
tion under the special form just presented. Such 
critics will take the ground that in the given in- 
stance the religious element of the deliverance has 
been unbecomingly subjected to weathercock-like 
illustrative leadership that looks in various direc- 
tions almost at once. 

They would make the point that, while recourse 
may be licitly had to narratives each of which lends 
itself throughout and dignifiedly to some single def- 
inite point of serious teaching, the narrative just 
utihzed (together with the rest of the same class) 
should be rated ineligible since it provides no two 
incidents able to unite in favor of any one rehgious 
matter whatever. 

Hence a conclusion against the above discourse 
and against all others that are like it by following 
fiction-items of wandering suggestiveness. Such 
deliverances are accounted ramblers hunting for 
topics as they go, and as wholly unfit for the sanctu- 
ary. 

Answering this objection, I cheerfully admit the 
higher excellence of instruction interwoven with a 
tale that permits concentrated treatment of some 
single doctrinal or moral lesson ; still, when parish 



A ^'Reductio ad Jbsurdum'' That Fails 279 

boys are addressed, no ban, seemingly, should be 
placed on the sermon so guided by Its lighter part- 
ner as to look over the religious field here and there 
and never In the same direction twice. Clearly, 
soul-aiding Information, thus presented, does not 
cease to be soul aiding because varied ; for juvenile 
Christians can profitably hear elementary spiritual 
teaching on no matter what point. 

And, as to Incongruities, It will, assuredly, be 
time enough to condemn a religiously-toned effort 
as being out of keeping with the sanctuary when 
the effort Is of a kind that might Inflict a shock det- 
rimental to spiritual welfare of those addressed. 
But here that misfortune can not occur. To bud- 
ding minds the story, by merely "making good" as 
such, acquires eminent respectability; and, on lean- 
ing decidedly to the cause of salvation, becomes 
pious. Now It Is quite Impossible that young peo- 
ple should find It startling that various doctrinal 
matters be taken up accordingly as the turns of an 
eminently respectable and pious recital may sug- 
gest. The writer then would place the stamp of 
eligibility, not only on the foregoing pickpocket 
account, but on every other narrative In which most 
of the events lend themselves to the exposition of 
religious truth, even though each event do this in 
Its own way and Independently of the rest. 



SECTION V — A "rEDUCTIO AD ABSURDUm" THAT 
FAILS 

But It may be that contending voices are still 
heard. They perhaps urge that the defense now 
made would permit the preacher to spin even a lot 



2 8o Story Instruction Under Special Form 

of short and more or less piously colored "yarns," 
each of them leading to treatment of some sep- 
arate point of doctrine; an extreme which would 
fill the pulpit with something resembling the 
changeful monologue antics of the vaudeville 
stage. To sustain the denial here called for, it will 
be necessary to go a little deeper into the matter 
at issue and consider more precisely what dangers 
are to be feared from letting the various turns of 
fiction dictate the succession of doctrinal subjects. 

One menace lies in the appearance that may 
thereby be given the speaker of openly confessing 
an inability to secure any hearing unless by keeping 
illustrative matter constantly in sight. No doubt 
such an appearance would be hurtful ; the fact that 
the boys themselves could not fail to find it comical 
proves the educational harm sure to result. Never- 
theless, this objectionable confession of weakness 
which was seen plainly enough in a varied collection 
of disconnected accounts linked with a correspond- 
ing variety of religious topics, can not be fairly at- 
tributed to the advocated way of doing. My nat- 
ural, every-day proceeding of "telling a story," al- 
beit a somewhat extended story, does not at all be- 
speak the open, unseemly dependence on fiction be- 
trayed by the above exaggerated performance any 
more than a single, even though rather prolonged 
visit on some person ready to assist gives a caller 
the appearance of distress that would follow from 
recourse to several persons of the same helpful 
class. 

A second danger to be apprehended from letting 
a number of higher subjects come and go under the 
escort of fiction is that the priest may thereby seem 



A '^Reductio ad Absurdum'^ That Fails 281 

to flit lightly from one religious lesson to another 
as if none were of much account. But here again 
the Story Instruction is in saving advantage over 
the scheme of "spinning yarns" separately and by 
the wholesale. Under the latter system doctrinal 
subjects were dismissed with an arbitrariness 
amounting to disrespect; e.g., the preacher while 
treating of Catholic duty in the matter of shunning 
non-Catholic service would give no reason for drop- 
ping that topic in order to speak on prayer, nor for 
quitting prayer in order to picture the triumphs of 
the martyrs, and so on. But, while this shifting imi- 
tator of monologue reciters would certainly appear 
to make little of doctrinal lessons, the writer's in- 
structor Is cleared of all charge on that head. From 
start to finish he is plainly seen to account fully and 
dignifiedly for every change of subject; this the 
"Story Instructor" does by holding to a single, re- 
spectable narrative which when once begun is en- 
titled to be heard to its finish ; and which at certain 
turns happily suggests or, so to speak, demands the 
consideration of points of Catholic teaching. 

While cheerfully conceding here as elsewhere 
that the methods of this volume can not suit the 
dispositions and circumstances of all co-workers, 
the writer closes the present subject with strong 
hope of having won a number of readers to the 
new plan for evangelizing parish boys. And such 
converts will be all the more in readiness for perse- 
vering effort when forewarned that their way of 
doing, as viewed by ordinary adult observers, will 
not contribute to the personal dignity of the 
preacher. The Story Instructor's work is that of 
inculcating elementary theology after a sort of kin- 



282 Story Instruction Under Special Form 

dergarten fashion on followers still susceptible to 
some of the methods commonly applied to children. 
Now the long stride — from the clerical library to 
the kindergarten precincts — necessitated by this 
task is apostolic rather than naturally graceful, es- 
pecially on the part of those wearing glasses or 
prematurely gray, and will be appreciated only by 
such as fully realize the nobility of the purpose in 
view. 



CHAPTER XXIX 
ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS 

SECTION I — SUBMIT ABSENTEEISM INDIRECTLY TO 
PARENTAL AUTHORITY 

Leaving the question of securing regular pres- 
ence at the altar to be treated further on, I would 
here suggest ways and means of more effectively 
bringing our young clients to their other religious 
events, the evening rallies. 

It must, however, be premised that in large so- 
cieties an absolutely full assembly can scarcely ever 
be realized; for, even when the members as a body 
are animated with a satisfactory spirit and are well 
prodded by a watchfully active management, sick- 
ness, night-work, incipient indifference, etc., are al- 
ways interfering, and with noticeable results. 
Moreover, while an absolutely full gathering is 
practically out of the question, the fair total of at- 
tendance that can be had never comes for the mere 
asking. And let no one dream of becoming master 
of the situation simply by success in making his 
meetings somewhat attractive or at least non-bur- 
densome ; boys are forever so much under the spell 
of counter and greater attractions that only a cease- 
less struggle with truancy can hold it fairly well in 
check. 

Meanwhile, I am very far from allowing that 
this unavoidable tussle with neglectful member- 
ship is one that draws largely on the director's time. 

383 



284 Attendance at Meetings 

To be sure non-attendance must be ordinarily dealt 
with by mailed notices sent over his own name, but, 
as a future passage will show, the work connected 
with such warnings (printed, of course) can be 
confided almost in its entirety to a boy assistant's 
care. Nor is this form of protest to necessarily find 
support in priestly calls at the homes of delin- 
quents. On the contrary, frequent personal visits 
of the kind, even had one time to make them, would 
only be mistaken for complaining recourse to the 
parents and would thereby spoil the administra- 
tion's needed policy of seeming to deal always with 
the members themselves independently of their 
family heads. 

However, it should not be inferred from the 
foregoing remark that the writer lacks apprecia- 
tion of parental influence on fidelity. Quite the re- 
verse. He would gladly enlist the assistance of 
fathers and mothers at every juncture; only it 
seems unwise to have the appearance of soliciting 
their aid, for professed reliance on such support 
can not but give the organization a "Sunday- 
school" or "small-boy" tone which the older lads 
must resent. 

Indeed, a laudable secret sense of dependence on 
home authority largely dictates the use of mailed 
notices concerning absence, which gain nearly all 
their efficacy by stirring the family elders to word 
and even action. For this reason the missives, 
while thoughtfully addressed to the boys them- 
selves, should be inadvertently sent on postal cards 
or at least in unsealed envelopes. We can then be 
fairly confident that feminine curiosity, if no bet- 
ter motive, will lead the maternal domestic ruler to 



Warning No tices 285 

examine into the real state of affairs ; and when once 
the results of her observations have been imparted 
to the paterfamilias, the chances are that our young 
hopeful, becoming watchful of lurking pitfalls and 
misleading byways, will begin to find his path regu- 
larly to the church. 

SECTION II — WARNING NOTICES ; THIS, THE FIRST, 
MEETS A SPECIAL DIFFICULTY 

The simpler way of issuing reprimands would 
be, of course, to use but one printed form for all 
cases of absence; however, by taxing his convenience 
to the very slight extent of holding three differently 
worded admonitions, the director is prepared to 
adapt reprimands exactly and far more effectively to 
the various phases of non-attendance sure to occur. 

Thus, provision can be made for a difficulty 
arising from the attitude the priest will probably 
prefer to keep toward followers of sufficiently es- 
tablished regularity when they miss just one meet- 
ing and no more. He will hardly wish to treat such 
failures otherwise than as a father who trustfully 
foregoes the company of his children when, from 
time to time, they find, or think they find, some 
rather important reason for remaining away. This 
generous bearing seems advisable as it renders 
membership less onerous and rather inviting; while 
the opposite course of insisting that everybody 
must always be on hand, unless really unavoidably 
detained, darkens the sessions with a severe mili- 
tary tinge that can not but repel. 

To be sure, a director committed to the liberal 
course here recommended need not hesitate to act 



286 Attendance at Meetings 

regarding new members who have missed their first 
meeting — a poor beginning always justifies in- 
vestigation — neither will he find any inconsistency 
in correcting any old members absent two or more 
evenings in succession; but, when hitherto regular 
attendants have only once failed to appear, he 
feels that notices sent them, if of a fault-finding 
tone, will evidently clash with the somewhat free 
and easy plan of government already adopted. 
The spiritual guide, accordingly, spares this better 
class of offenders. But then new trouble arises; 
the reverend father, in common with other fathers 
whether reverend or not, has to learn that parental 
indulgence can be much abused. 

No sooner is his attitude understood than the 
boys who think they are or ought to be of "suffi- 
ciently established regularity" begin, very com- 
monly, to try experimentally for the limit of the ir- 
regularity which they feel themselves entitled to 
enjoy. In this way attendance suffers not a little, 
while many of the lads, receiving no timely remon- 
strance whatever, enter on the path of absolute neg- 
lect with suspension for its goal. For several years 
the author was painfully aware of the drain thus 
made on meetings, but, like many another organ- 
izer, worked along, enduring the abuse of his lib- 
erality, because, as it seemed, such abuse could be 
stayed by only the greater evil of exchanging the 
above considerate and inviting system for the ex- 
acting, odious one already described. 

But on a happy day the following remedial 
scheme came to mind. It was to establish a pe- 
culiar rule for members absent lawfully, i.e., from 
a single session and for "important reason." This 



Warning Notices 287 

regulation enjoins on every lad that when detained, 
even but once, he must immediately write to the 
director, not to apologize for absence — no fault 
being found — ^but merely to say "I will be present 
at the next meeting." The only reason given the 
boys for putting them to this slight trouble is that 
the priest, enlightened by assurance thus obtained, 
Is enabled to know who among the absentees retain 
interest In sodality affairs. 

At this point students of juvenile nature may 
object that the common run of boys in their teens, 
finding presentable epistolary work to be real work, 
can never be brought by a mere society rule to com- 
municate In writing with a priest. The objection 
is well taken, as appears indeed in the very In- 
stance now considered ; for In the writer's organiza- 
tion the above ordinance has never been kept by 
more than a small fraction of those concerned. 
"Why, then, make a rule that will never be ob- 
served?" Well, this regulation, having just been 
called peculiar, is already stamped as one that 
works In a novel way ; in fact. It is among the very 
few products of human legislation that serve the 
intended purpose equally well whether observed or 
disobeyed. 

The double-faced efficacy of my rule Is easily 
explained. If an absentee keeps the ordinance and 
writes, his care in the matter shows interest and suf- 
ficiently guarantees attendance the next time; his 
case, then, can be considered satisfactorily closed. 
But when the missing one does not dip the pen, his 
failure to do so becomes the priest's opportunity 
for mailing a notice calculated to bring the entire 
matter before parental eyes. Not that the spiritual 



288 Attendance at Meetings 

guide Is now justified In reproaching his followers 
for having been absent ("lawfully," as we have 
seen, and "for some important reason"), but he 
may and does reprove on a wholly different head; 
namely that the offender, having been absent, has 
neglected to write. This reprimand, while making no 
complaint whatever of non-attendance, brings the 
fact of non-attendance none the less clearly before 
the domestic superintendent of mails and with fair 
prospects that sonny's "Important reason" for miss- 
ing the meeting will be replaced by an imperative 
motive for participating in all gatherings to come. 
Here, then, is a solution for the difficulty of main- 
taining a liberal policy on the attendance question 
and at the same time safeguarding attendance itself. 
Before resorting to it the writer had always to be 
well pleased with evening rallies patronized by as 
many as sixty-five or seventy per cent, of the 
members; but, from the time parental action was 
enlisted in the way Indicated, the average attend- 
ance has been ten or fifteen per cent, better than 
formerly. The postal credited with this good work 
of quietly transferring the enforcement of strict 
regularity from the sodality administration to that 
of the family reads as follows : 

NOTICE NO. I 

Dear Friend: 

At our last meeting you were marked absent, and 
I have not yet received from you the written state- 
ment that should be sent In such cases. It is to be 
hoped, however, that you will be present this week 
and that, if afterward absent at any time, you will 
at once write to me, as the rule requires. 



Warning No tices 289 

SECTION III WARNING NOTICES; THE FOLLOW- 
ING IS THE ONLY ONE THAT SEEMS STRICTLY 
INDISPENSABLE 

Be It that the foregoing print Is not In use or 
that the same has been employed without effect ; In 
either case repeated absence soon necessitates a 
more pointed shaft; and yet the preparation of this 
shaft Is not likely to be well accomplished off- 
hand. 

While the new message must be toned to make 
a telling Impression, neither It nor any other mes- 
sage should be so sharp as to hurt. Hence the dis- 
advantage of presenting the accusation, naturally 
in the official mind, of wilful neglect. This charge 
nearly always causes friction,^ for the reason that 
ground for the charge Is but rarely conceded by the 
defendants. 

Indeed the latter are able — more so In their 
teens than ever later — to create past attendance or 
excuse for past non-attendance pretty much at will. 
With them presence at a couple of sessions four or 
five weeks ago, Is so stretched as to almost cover 
the pious occurrence of last evening, while the sick- 
ness or work that hindered their coming on a sin- 
gle occasion Is magnified Into an Impediment last- 
ing nearly an entire season. 

^Allowance must always be made for the fact that by mis- 
takes on the part of the officers undeserved reports of absence 
are very likely to be handed in. This difficulty is at its height 
in large organizations recruited in very populous centers where 
the boys are not thoroughly acquainted with one another. Ac- 
cordingly, the author feels obliged to close all warning notices 
with the following words : "If (as is possible) you were pres- 
ent at the last meeting and were marked absent by mistake, 
please let me know at once." 



290 Attendance at Meetings 

These observations explain the director's present 
dilemma. On the one hand the missing member 
must be addressed in a decisive tone and without 
the least delay; for, as the absence habit is quickly- 
formed and confirmed, absenteeism must be ener- 
getically attacked as soon as it has fully appeared. 
But on the other hand the priest feels the need of 
supplying a reason amply sufficient to justify his 
rather early threat of dismissal, and it is here that 
embarrassment begins. As we have seen, charges 
of wilful negligence (the only ground for suspen- 
sion likely to be thought of), even if true in them- 
selves will surely excite dissatisfaction, and yet there 
is absolute need of contriving some way or other 
an immediate declaration that seats must be either 
filled or forfeited. 

As it seems to me, the very best, if not the only 
safe means of now warning in the required tone 
is through the maintenance of the Waiting List, a 
feature which for its other advantages has already 
been strongly recommended. The spiritual leader 
who has provided himself with this helpful institu- 
tion is under no necessity of declaring, ''your ab- 
sence, being blameworthy, deserves dismissal"; but 
IS able to gain his purpose, through the non-com- 
mittal, matter-of-fact statement that absence, 
whether blameworthy or not, will force him to give 
unoccupied seats to the Waiting List boys known 
to be asking places. This position will rarely cause 
much feeling, for youngsters, no matter how much 
disposed to defend their neglect, are in almost 
every instance willing to admit that the seats of 
even guiltless non-arrivals can be justly given to 
aspirants awaiting turn to be enrolled. 



Bringing Matters to a Head 291 

Before "going to press" with an admonition dic- 
tated by these views, let me observe that printed 
remonstrances will be of wider service if so worded 
as to contain no enumeration of evenings missed. 
By indefiniteness on this point the one card is fitted 
for offenders in different degrees and also for re- 
peated use on the same offender whenever such 
treatment seems called for. For the same reason 
there is disadvantage in giving any time limit at the 
end of which extreme action will be taken. Of 
course, however, the present protest (as well as 
the following one) must be such as will leave the 
disciplinarian wholly free to drop members at dis- 
cretion. Following is the author's form for this 
postal : 

NOTICE NO 2 

Dear Friend: 

You are still marked absent from evening meet- 
ings; and, much as I wish to keep every lad who 
has once joined us. It looks as if your seat might 
have to be given to one of the boys on the Waiting 
List. Try, then, to be present at this week's meet- 
ing and afterward. 

SECTION IV— BRINGING MATTERS TO A HEAD 

While the two foregoing messages make provi- 
sion for the great majority of incipient deserters 
they still fail of equipping the worker for dealing 
easily and effectively with the smaller but more 
troublesome element who may be termed "plausi- 
ble" absentees. 

These are for the most part wideawake chaps 
who take their evenings off with such regularity of 



292 Attendance at Meetings 

Intermlttency as to be rarely if ever successively 
absent twice, and who pose meanwhile as members 
of undeniable excellence. Let one of them receive the 
notice just described and he will compare its warn- 
ing, not with his entire checkered record, but merely 
with the creditable close of his discreditable record. 
This process always enables the defendant to main- 
tain that he has been away from only the very last 
session; for his regularity of intermittency keeps 
him habitually full of the fact that he did attend 
the meeting before the last. Another variety of 
the same plausible genus is formed by a number 
of the lads ever willing to write the director. These 
new offenders act under full assurance of ability to 
cover no matter what poor showing with prompt, 
repeated, and often elaborate instalments of paper 
and ink. 

Now in order to cope conveniently with the alert 
spirits of the two above classes, we must drop the 
foregoing prints in favor of one worded directly 
against the plausible positions assumed. By 
roundly declaring the director's utter inability to 
tolerate frequent absentees of any category, this 
new remonstrance proves a "settler" for non- 
comers, whether of the intermittent kind or 
bent on covering their erring tracks with letter 
paper. 

Besides undoing the wiles of an enterprising ele- 
ment in our societies, the missive now before us is 
qualified to serve a further purpose; making a de- 
cidedly emphatic assertion of the priest's attitude 
toward all notable absence, it can be advantageously 
mailed, as a formal and final admonition, to ap- 



Suspensions 293 

parently incorrigible delinquents of the ordinary 
type. For the better performance of this decisive 
errand, the notice, since it is to be served on boys, 
might be printed on cards of blue. For what with 
past actual or apprehended endurance of black-and- 
blue body marks — inflicted betimes by the "blues" 
themselves operating on and through troubled eld- 
ers — juveniles of the oftener chastised sex come to 
regard the azure shade as portentous ; hence closing 
administrative warnings, if appropriately draped 
therewith, are all the more impressively under- 
stood. 

Concluding this section, I place before the reader 
my own version of the final protest. 



notice no. 3 
Dear Friend: 

If a boy misses an evening meeting of the so- 
dality only occasionally, and then sends me a postal, 
all is well. But when he is absent a great deal 
(even though it be on account of night-work, etc., 
and even though he send me postals) , his seat must 
be given to a lad on the Waiting List. 

During the past you have been absent too often; 
however, it is hoped that, after this warning, you 
will be able to attend well. Try then to be present 
this week and always afterward. 



SECTION V — SUSPENSIONS 

Remonstrances made in the matter now before us 
can not prove effective unless ultimately sanctioned 
by forfeiture of membership. While there is no 



294 Attendance at Meetings 

occasion for enlarging on this evident impossibility, 
one may with propriety endeavor to indicate how 
the necessary sanction is best enforced. 

A first consideration is the weakness of the wide- 
spread usage by which delinquents are dropped 
without being made definitely aware of the fact, 
and are afterward rehabilitated with nothing done 
on their part more than merely putting in a reap- 
pearance. This loose way of acting removes "fear 
of the law" by enabling truants to feel beforehand 
that they can probably conceal dismissal from their 
parents and that, anyway, they are going to retain 
entire freedom to fully repair dismissal at will. Ac- 
cordingly, a formal process of dissolving and re- 
newing partnerships is demanded in order that sus- 
pension may do its work effectively. 

Besides, in any society worthy of the name, the. 
same formal process is necessary to the proper 
operation of the society's mechanism. For wher- 
ever arrangements are such that the "outs" can, 
simply at their own initiative, resume former places 
without jarring the transaction of affairs, we may 
be sure that the aggregation is by no means organ- 
ized in the degree essential to notable results in 
boys. There are, accordingly, the best of reasons 
for usually placing the sentence of exile in clear evi- 
dence by positive act of the director and in a spe- 
cial missive; the latter, like preceding messages, 
traveling in unsealed readiness for domestic inspec- 
tion as soon as parted from the awe-stricken mail 
carrier's hand. And, when the suspended victims 
have returned contrite, let their welcome be by all 
means tempered with a repetition of some of the 
treatment given them at the first admission. 



Suspensions 295 

Furthermore, It Is of the utmost Importance that 
the present step be accompanied with all possible 
endeavor to spare the feelings of those disciplined. 
If the writer has found acceptance for the view 
that even warnings of coming dismissal should be 
wary In this respect, he will certainly be permitted 
the presentment that In dismissal Itself allowance 
be yet more carefully made for youthful errancy of 
mental vision. There is real danger of a misfor- 
tune of magnitude when a youth departs dis- 
gruntled with his religious superior and construc- 
tively more or less Indisposed to ecclesiastical 
persons and things in general. It were bad 
enough to lose the subject, but far worse when 
the mishap entails on himself a loss far out- 
doing perhaps all that his membership will have 
gained. 

In the actual endeavor of softening extreme ac- 
tion I would first of all Invoke again the ever help- 
ful Waiting List. A priest enabled to point to 
candidates clamoring for unoccupied seats need ac- 
cuse non-comers of nothing worse than inability to 
attend and is then free to behead them apologeti- 
cally. 

Another excellent plan is to avoid inflicting ex- 
pulsion or even using its severe name; one enforces 
exclusion far more prudently under the milder 
form of suspension, and his confinement to the lat- 
ter proceeding can be tactfully emphasized on dis- 
missal blanks by a printed statement that the retir- 
ing member's future application for reinstatement 
will always be welcome. 

When it is considered that the director may add 
to all this by some personal attention {e.g,, a writ- 



296 Attendance at Meetings 

ten line suggesting that attendance has become dif- 
ficult owing to increase of age, residential distance, 
etc.), there is ample assurance, I trust, that delin- 
quents can be effectively dislodged from the associa- 
tion without any sacrifice of the fruit gained with 
past labor — their good will. 



CHAPTER XXX 

THE FINANCIAL QUESTION :— ITS EDU- 
CATIONAL AND DISCIPLINARY SIDE 

SECTION I — DUES HELPFUL TO CATHOLIC 
TRAINING 

The author, having delved, earlier, into the eco- 
nomics of juvenile fraternities, is now much pleased 
to present the financial affairs as seen from higher 
viewpoints. This does not mean that anything is 
about to be said in favor of fines meted out for ab- 
sence from meeting or even for neglect of dues. 
Boys rarely pay such fines, and the imposition of 
the latter consequently must always result disas- 
trously in either administrative backdown or dis- 
missal of offenders. 

But, while there seems to be ground for usually 
discouraging punishments that lighten the purse, 
one may confidently advocate the establishment of 
regular dues, and this even for reasons quite apart 
from the material assistance to be thereby obtained. 
A fixed tax proves valuable as furnishing the su- 
perior with an excellent means both of training his 
members in an important Catholic duty and of 
knowing how to deal with them when their atten- 
dance is poor. 

Accordingly, organizers seem actuated by short- 
sighted zeal when with the aim of securing the larg- 
est possible following they go to the extreme of 
abolishing dues altogether. In adopting this policy 

397 



298 The Financial Question 

good people seem to forget that if only for Chris- 
tian educational results juniors should ever con- 
tribute something toward the maintenance of their 
union. Lessons on obedience to the Church com- 
mandment enjoining the material support of re- 
ligion are a very important feature of early Cath- 
olic training, and consequently demand place in the 
curriculum of every juvenile pious society. 

Moreover, it is a mistake to suppose that a slight 
tax, sufficient for the high purpose mentioned, will 
really interfere with wide membership. Workers 
who deal, as is here supposed, not exclusively with 
young castaways, but with parish boys in general, 
soon find that practically as many are obtainable 
under payment of small dues as under payment of 
none. Juvenile applicants do not hesitate to join 
because of petty contributions expected later; and, 
as a further section of this chapter will strive to 
show, they, without incurring any noticeable num- 
ber of dismissals, can be afterward led to actually 
make such contributions. 

SECTION II — ^AN EASY BURDEN AND ITS HAPPY 
RESULTS 

Assuming that the advantage of regular due-pay- 
ments is admitted, we may inquire as to the figure 
at which these payments should be placed. 

Decisions in this matter, while they will be given 
variously by different minds, must certainly be 
based on the data already furnished. Since Cath- 
olic education demands that some recurring offer- 
ing be made and, on the other hand, the interests 
of the roll plead for light charges, the director 



Easy Burden; Happy Results 299 

wisely exacts the lowest amount that suffices to com- 
mand boyish respect. Now the tax of such re- 
spectability as will promote Catholic up-brlnging 
and yet small enough to favor large society mem- 
bership Is, In the writer's opinion, something like 
fifty cents per annum, or what would amount to 
about five pennies at each payment, should monthly 
payments be required. 

But this low contribution, while suitable to the 
higher interests of the members, is such that even 
when faithfully made by all it can fail to meet 
the total of expenses. Let me, then, freely repeat 
a confession already made, that the properly 
conducted boys' organization Is one which, to some 
extent, charity may usually have to befriend. 

Meanwhile, light dues prove helpful as a means 
of measuring earnestness of membership. The 
patron, when confronted by records of imperfect 
attendance, is often sorely puzzled to know 
whether his absentee-members have lost Interest In 
the fraternity to such an extent that their names 
should be stricken from the roll. Naturally, one 
would wish to make all possible concession in favor 
of missing lads detained, perchance, by late work- 
ing hours, night-school, or sickness, but, usually. It 
Is difficult. If not impossible, to make inquiries by 
which the existence of such causes of absence may 
be ascertained. 

Now the director, embarrassed by this situation, 
will find a simple reference to the treasurer's re- 
port his handiest and a fairly satisfactory way of 
classifying this dubious portion of his flock, and of 
separating its probable sheep from its probable 
goats. Even small "money," if released from 



300 The Financial Question 

small purses, ** talks"; and youngsters responding 
promptly to the sodality tax — though in other re- 
spects they appear to be of very uncertain loyalty 
— may be safely regarded as retaining a sufficient 
Interest in sodality affairs. Parted, then, from the 
unfortunates huddled '*on the left hand," these 
followers can be confidently preserved, at least for 
the time being, from the doom with which the 
others must be immediately overwhelmed. 

SECTION III — ^TITHES-GATHERING 

But can dues, large enough to be respected by 
boys, be collected from boys? This question is 
raised incredulously, by a certain number of organ- 
izers reminiscent of failure in the attempt named. 

While gladly returning an affirmative answer, the 
author does not undertake to minimize the diffi- 
culties with which our "tax-collector" is confronted. 
His first and very serious Impediment lies in the 
dishonesty of many juveniles, who on receiving 
from their parents money payable to the society 
are disposed to appropriate the same for personal 
use. Indeed, very sadly must moralists note how 
readily pennies — yea, even pre-sanctified church- 
pennies — sometimes burn through a Christian 
pocket, when that pocket hangs in the pants of a 
boy in his teens. Add to this more than occasional 
delinquency the heedlessness chronic with the ma- 
jority of early debtors, and the puzzle of collecting 
dues from one half of the members, without sus- 
pending the other half, stands out in bold relief. 

The ordinary solution of this problem, which, 
like every one else, I have tried, is to prevent ac- 



Tithes-Gathering 301 

cumulation of arrears by establishing regular 
monthly payments. However, this plan, though 
always promising at the outset, usually ends by cre- 
ating far more evil than it averts. Frequent at- 
tempts at gathering dues, while multiplying tempta- 
tions to embezzlement, do not cure negligence ef- 
fectually, and, in consequence, fail of placing the 
intended notable restraint on financial delinquency. 

Moreover, this system indirectly antagonizes 
faithful attendance; for, out of real or pretended 
shame and in surprising numbers, juveniles shun 
meetings on finding themselves in arrears no mat- 
ter how small ; hence the more frequently members 
have to deal with a treasurer the oftener will they 
find excuse for truancy. Additional evils follow: 
the keeping of a necessarily exact account of 
monthly payments becomes really burdensome, 
and, worst of all, the worker who all the year 
round is superintending the payment of dues must, 
if he would sustain the rule, be perennially preach- 
ing the "gospel of money," which, on constant re- 
currence, proves nearly as hurtful to young congre- 
gations as to mature ones. 

It then seems warranted to bid directors of 
unions holding a promiscuous throng of boys to 
think well before requiring payment, be it of only 
a nickel, as often as once a month. Whoever may 
attempt to gather dues after this fashion is liable 
to end by either making financial obligations a 
mere dead letter, or of upholding them at the cost 
of the society's very life. 

In the writer's opinion and practice, the rule best 
adapted to the common run of juveniles, and there- 
fore most easily enforced, establishes semi-annual 



302 The Financial Question 

dues of twenty-five cents, payable In advance every 
fall and spring. While this policy is at some disad- 
vantage by exacting the lump sum (?) of a quarter 
of a dollar, it seems on the whole worthy of pref- 
erence because free from the greater drawbacks 
already mentioned as inseparable from smaller con- 
tributions made every month. 

SECTION IV — MEETING THE CRISIS 

As the simplest and most practical method of 
guiding the elusive coins' short but perilous pas- 
sage from boyish hands into the treasury, and of 
registering payments made, I would by all means 
have dues gathered by envelope collections. In 
employing this system, provide, for each member, 
a small sized paper receptacle (preferably the arti- 
cle known to the trade as the coin envelope), the 
back of which will read as follows: 



Paid by .. 

Address... 
Baclo 


, BOYS' SODAU 


TY . . . 


{Cburcb and Town.) 


se {25 Cents) bait yearly dues, 
band to the Treasurer. 


Pew 

SBAL, and 



The work of filling the above blank lines may 
better not be left to the members, who are too often 



Meeting the Crisis 303 

heedless individuals, not to say clumsy penmen; 
this writing should be done by the secretary, and 
before the envelopes are distributed. 

The names and pew-numbers, previously placed 
on the receptacles, make it easy for the sodality 
officers during an evening meeting to pass the arti- 
cles into the hands of those for whom they have 
been prepared; and afterward these same names 
and numbers facilitate the task of identifying con- 
tributions which, according to instructions, have 
been duly enclosed, sealed, and delivered to the 
treasurer. 

In addition to the names and pew-numbers, the 
addresses may better be written. Juveniles, so 
sloppy in everything they do, can not be too forci- 
bly made aware that, as regards financial short- 
comings and long-goings, they are under close ob- 
servation. Accordingly, let each receptacle for 
dues testify most explicitly that the management 
has its eye firmly fastened on him whose name the 
receptacle bears. Master John Smith is all the 
more likely to make prompt settlement of sodality 
obligations, when, glancing from the pew-number 
to the address, and from the address to the pew- 
number, he feels, in the depths of his pocket, that, 
of all this world of John Smiths, he is the partic- 
ular John who is emphatically designated to square 
accounts. 

A further convenience will be consulted by the 
same coupling of each address, from the beginning 
of proceedings, with its corresponding name. Kept 
thus at hand, the address is easily transferred to 
the outer (stamped) envelope which must enclose 
the due-envelope whenever a member, after ab- 



304 The Financial Question 

sence from the evening meeting at which due-en- 
velopes were distributed, is to receive his article 
by mail. 



SECTION V — ENFORCING THE RULE 

The money-gathering season when fairly on 
lasts during perhaps three or four successive 
weekly meetings. Endeavor during this period 
will be stimulated by a weighty consideration apart 
from the one created by an ever-thoroughly ap- 
petized treasury and apart from the other motives 
as yet presented. 

Whoever would keep organized boys well in line 
must uphold every real law that is on the union's 
statute-book. To be sure, the leader prudently im- 
poses but few strict obligations, sometimes seems 
not to discover that they are broken, and frequently 
sanctions them by a penalty no heavier than a dis- 
approving word; but should he allow one genuine 
rule to be contemned, the other important regula- 
tions of his making must suffer in consequence. In 
order, then, that authority may be preserved, ju- 
veniles should never be allowed to feel that neglect 
of dues, if noticed, may pass without correction. 
Rather than let this idea prevail I would prefer to 
close unsatisfactory cases by writing offenders or, 
better still, by visiting their homes, in order with 
condemnatory clemency to cancel all obligations, 
while adding, of course, admonitions for future 
guidance. 

But all endeavor to secure compliance with the 
financial rule should be made under the declared 
proviso that any lad unable, because of poverty or 



Enforcing the Rule 305 

no matter what other impediment, to meet the dues 
will, on simply making private explanation, be ex- 
cused from payment. This generous position, em- 
phasized every time the money-question is treated, 
helps young minds to perceive disinterested mo- 
tives in their leader : and, while a necessary protec- 
tion for the feelings of worthy but moneyless hear- 
ers, will rarely be abused by solvent boys. 

Having thus shielded the innocent, let the 
worker, constantly urging upon his hearers the 
necessity of fulfilling present and future Catholic 
financial obligations, proceed, with much show of 
determination, against the wicked. A good ex- 
pedient is to mail to each delinquent a second, and, 
if necessary, even additional due-envelopes, sim- 
ilar in all respects to the one he first received and 
accompanied perhaps with a short correctional 
circular. 

The same as in other cases, any package pre- 
pared for the present purpose and delivered to the 
letter-carrier will all the better accomplish its mis- 
sion if accidentally left unsealed, for, as has been 
explained in the chapter just preceding, this omis- 
sion permits the contents to become by chance 
the object of Mother-Evelike curiosity and 
investigation under the guilty party's parental 
roof. 

And, finally, the sword of suspension from mem- 
bership may have to be used. If so, let it be 
wielded, as is done by humane State executives, 
with that maximum display of deadly purpose that 
usually insures a minimum of actual slaughter. 
Meanwhile, when occasionally some lad, otherwise 
of promise, is seen to be culpably in arrears, I would 



3o6 The Financial Question 

not hesitate to save him by even appearing to have 
failed of noticing his fault. 

To sum up : — I believe that the foregoing meth- 
ods, applied to an organization burdened with our 
average heirloom of empty-handed youngsters and 
resolute backsliders, will prove effective in cash re- 
sults on seventy-five or eighty-five per cent, of the 
members. And it is most encouraging that this 
outcome, satisfactory from educational and dis- 
ciplinary viewpoints and helpful to financial sup- 
port, can be obtained at a very small sacrifice of de- 
linquent followers — indeed, the flock ought to bear 
its semi-annual shearing with loss of, at most, only 
two or three sheep. 



CHAPTER XXXI 
APOSTOLIC BOOKKEEPING 

SECTION I — THE DEEDS AND OMISSIONS OF MEM- 
BERSHIP RECORDED 

Assuredly no one will find fault If, In the title 
of the present chapter, a word borrowed from com- 
mercialism has been applied to religious use; the 
Innovation merely emphasizes the fact that spirit- 
ual laborers must sometimes become accountants. 
To be sure these endeavorers, as such, are never 
concerned with merchandise and cash ; nevertheless, 
they are now and then obliged to tally their neigh- 
bor's deeds, and consequently to join with secular 
workers in keeping books. 

This need plainly arises in the undertaking be- 
fore us. Creditable and conveniently maintained 
management of an organization blessed with a roll 
of any considerable length involves the mainte- 
nance of such records as will at a single glance al- 
ways reveal any member's recent biography in the 
ranks; i.e., his attendance at meetings and holy 
communion, together with his standing regarding 
dues. Usually the first of these items is the only 
one that creates any special difficulty; accordingly, 
I shall consider ways of registering presence at 
evening gatherings; promising, meanwhile, that 
with this much settled there will be no trouble in 
securing similar permanent reports of approaches 
to the altar and of financial affairs. 

307 



3o8 Apostolic Bookkeeping 

SECTION II ASSISTING THE MARKERS 

Attendance at regular meeting being tallied as is 
here supposed by the officers, every effort should 
be made to facilitate and protect their work; for, 
not to mention the juvenile craze of doing things 
hurriedly and therefore imperfectly, our inspec- 
tors, at least in very popular centers, must often be- 
gin with the handicap of having no acquaintance 
whatever with more than a few of the lads in their 
keeping. 

A first care in this matter will be to see that the 
recording books (one for each section), by their 
presentable make-up, as well as by the watchfully 
maintained neatness of their pages, are always such 
as to demand respectful, businesslike treatment. 
Accordingly, for the sake of appearances I would 
have these books sacredly preserved from the script 
of the official markers save for the single purpose 
of placing the signs, presumably the letters "P*' 
or "L," to signify "present" or "late." Neither 
should the writing of these letters be permitted 
with the use of anything but a common pencil; 
quite often what has been done in the church must 
be corrected afterward, but changes made where 
ink or some other indelible substance has been used 
are not usually favorable to appearances.^ 

^I would not permit that even the letter "A," or whatever 
other stroke for non-attendance may be adopted, be placed 
while the meeting is in session. Let the regular marker sim- 
ply leave for any absentee a blank space in which an "A" can 
be written after the gathering has been dismissed. 

This course is preferable for the reason that when an ab- 
sence mark has been written during the exercises, the supposed 
delinquent may enter late; in which contingency the book 
custodian always feels himself inspired to change the belied 
"A" into a tardily earned presence sign, but probably with 



Assisting the Markers 309 

Apart from the foregoing, everything — names, 
addresses, and dates — should be inserted by a spe- 
cial assistant, who, since his writing is to be used in 
the church, ought to possess a clear, bold hand fit 
to cope with the "dim religious light," which, 
especially when artificially supplied, is sometimes 
embarrassingly faint for even young eyes. An- 
other precaution will be to have the patronymics 
of the members appear In advance of their Chris- 
tian names. The officers using the pencil look to 
the family names alone, and if these be favorably 
placed for the inquiring eye will do the appointed 
work all the more swiftly and surely. Moreover, 
possibilities of confusion will be lessened by one 
who has care, when assigning places, not to let boys 
of the same last name sit together. 

After all, however, our best hope of securing 
correct attendance reports lies in a rule strongly 
and repeatedly recommended on earlier pages. I 
mean the rule, helpful to the present purpose even 
more than to any other, of fixed pews for the mem- 
bers. Where this arrangement Is maintained its 
full advantage Is reaped by obliging the marker to 
stand at the entrance of each pew while taking tally 
of the same. In that position the officer can hardly 
make a blunder, for he sees at close range the faces 
of the six or eight boys of, e.g., pew 30, whose 
names, grouped ready for comparison, are before 
him on the page written up for that particular row. 

hieroglyphic results neither esthetic nor decipherable. And, 
apart from the necessity of avoiding the foregoing incon- 
venience, blank spaces for boys not present are desirable as 
permitting the director to afterward indicate by signs of his 
own such explanations as absentees may have sent or any 
other excusatory circumstances. 



3IO Apostolic Bookkeeping 

SECTION III HANDY REFERENCE PAGES FOR THE 

BUSY PRIEST 

While thus making every effort toward helping 
his aids to mark easily and correctly, the priest can 
at will have the attendance books kept in a way 
favorable for his own conveniently rapid inspec- 
tion. This result will be obtained by causing all 
Items concerning any given member to appear, 
without any turning of leaves, compactly on the 
same line and ready to be grasped at a coup d^ceil. 
In order to make clear explanation of personal en- 
deavor in this matter, the writer offers an exhibit 
taken from one of his own attendance books and 
now to be explained in detail. 

As is shown by this reproduction of the record 
for pew 30, addresses are carried as well as names. 
On the left, immediately following these, are the 
marks for evening meetings. The marks on the 
right concern the monthly communion, of which 
later. At the top of the page and between the 
perpendicular lines stand figures for dates, from 
which we learn that the exhibited returns pertain 
to meetings held during the ninth, tenth, eleventh, 
and twelfth months of the year. To be more ex- 
plicit, the sessions, having opened in September, 
were interrupted by a vacation begun in October 
and by a second vacation which followed the meet- 
ing of December 9th. However, the finish of the 
latter rest-period is now in sight; for, as we are 
informed by the combination 2/17, placed at the 
top of an unfilled space, gatherings are to be re- 
sumed on February 17th. 

It may occasion surprise that while the meetings 



Z-i 



eg 



^4 T 



c-^ 









^r 






:X 






^. ^ 



*^ 







Handy Reference Pages 311 

are recorded in the ordinary way from left to right, 
the communions for the above months and occupy- 
ing the opposite side of the book are marked, after 
Chinese fashion, from right to left. The depar- 
ture, however, assures this convenience, that the 
two accounts (of meetings and of communions) 
shall, when synchronous, stand for ready observa- 
tion side by side on the same page. The usual 
method, which with more respect for custom causes 
the communion tally to be kept from left to right, 
sacrifices the foregoing advantage by failing to ad- 
just itself to the uncertainty of evening meetings; 
for the latter gatherings, being always liable to 
suspension, can not by any means be trusted to keep 
even pace with the associated sacred monthly fea- 
ture destined to occur with unbroken regularity. 

Further inspection of the tell-tale page shows how 
the same, while recording the absence of members, 
indicates also the subsequent action taken by the 
administration. We find that when the letter '*A" 
(meaning absence) has been marked after the 
names of the four first youngsters, that letter has 
afterwards been penciled "i," ''2," or "3." These 
numerals, placed by the director to guide his spe- 
cial helper, have served as the former's injunction 
on the latter that the missing lads should receive 
respectively the first, second, or third of the no- 
tices that are mailed to absentees. 

Consideration of this arrangement will show 
that it presents the disciplinary side of each delin- 
quent's career in such a way that "he who runs may 
read." Thus it appears that the first on the 
list, Master Fay, started well but afterward be- 
gan to lose his way; twice he braved the first re- 



312 Apostolic Bookkeeping 

minder — It is very gentle — but he yielded to the 
second, which is stronger, and reformed. 

Daniel Guy's "baptismal innocence" lasted just 
one meeting longer than did William Fay's. How- 
ever, from then on poor Dan betook himself, un- 
fortunately, to devious ways, and after treatment 
with all of the society's rebukes (first, second, and 
third), was finally visited with suspension. 

Our friend John Poe was of the especially 
troublesome "intermittent" category; but has been 
happily converted by the notice, No. 3, designed to 
meet such cases. 

This favorable result is wanting to the next on 
the list. Master Joe Gill, also an "intermittent." 
Joseph resisted the grace with which his predeces- 
sor had co-operated, and consequently has been 
"cast out into exterior darkness." 

The following youngster, Frank G. Dun, having 
been missing at the outset, sent in the postal re- 
quired, a creditable act which is indicated by the 
penciled small letter "w." Afterward, however, 
the youth was twice absent without writing, but 
through some special reason such as will occasion- 
ally occur has received no reprimand. 

In the next of our hopefuls, Paul Kip, we en- 
counter an out and out "epistolary" member. Al- 
ways elsewhere and always ready with written 
statements, he made sodality activity consist in cor- 
respondence rather than attendance, until notice 
No. 3, so drafted as to furnish an ultimatum under 
any and all circumstances, had entered its protest 
and threatened Immediate final action. This warn- 
ing produced a much-needed reformation. 

Jim Lee, the seventh boy presented, has been 



Handy Reference Pages 313 

faithful since his first evening, which, for the bene- 
fit of the marker, had been indicated in advance 
with an arrow head. The marker, accustomed to 
the old names supported by their equal rows of re- 
cording letters, is liable to run past any new name 
unattended with such letters; and, consequently, 
can always be advisably guided by the precaution 
just taken. 

Accordingly, the fresh recruit, Alfred W. Fry, 
is protected in the way just recommended; an ar- 
row head gives notice that he is expected in pew 
30 for the coming meeting of February 17th. 

Attention is here directed to the small "x" traced 
after some of the names and on one of the perpen- 
dicular lines. The mark shows that payment 
of dues has been made and bears witness how 
easily, even if informally, that fact can be scored 
in close conjunction with the other items. To 
be sure, this offhand style of recording does 
nothing for the presentable appearances that have 
been advocated; nevertheless, it can be applied 
carefully a couple of times a year without creating 
any downright eyesore; and because of its helpful- 
ness in other respects deserves to be tolerated. 

In this matter informality is of distinct advan- 
tage in permitting financial standing to be indicated 
in desirable combination with the other marks with- 
out ever being understood — something that would 
be wholly undesirable — or even noticed by the 
young people using the books. 

Where dues are collected by the envelope sys- 
tem of the preceding chapter, the material work of 
registering them becomes trifling. Receptacles 
that have been honored with returns are merely 



314 Apostolic Bookkeeping 

arranged in the order of the pew numbers with 
which they are inscribed and are then checked on 
the attendance record close to names of their re- 
spective payers. 

SECTION IV — ^ATTENDANCE AT HOLY COMMUNION 
REGISTERED 

As has already been stated, the right of the di- 
agram carries the communion records correspond- 
ing with the tallies of evening meetings just con- 
sidered. The penciled "x" placed after some of 
the absence marks on the right, or communion side, 
of the book is the author's sign condemning delin- 
quents to receive the single, rather infrequent, and 
very mild reprimand that he is accustomed to give 
for non-compliance with the rule concerning re- 
ception of the sacraments. 

While we are on the present subject a word must 
be said concerning ways and means of securing for 
registration the names of all who kneel at the Holy 
Table. Should it happen that the members during 
their Communion Mass sit in the very pews oc- 
cupied evenings, marks for approaching the altar 
will of course be placed according to the system 
used at meetings and by the same officers; but as 
parochial arrangements are almost invariably such 
as to displace our boy communicants from their 
evening benches, the names will, in nearly every 
instance, have to be obtained by another process. 
Commonly, then, the best plan probably is to pass 
among the members at the beginning of Mass 
cards printed to call for signatures and the num- 
bers of the pews occupied evenings; as this last 



Attendance at Holy Communion Registered 315 

piece of Information suffices for Identification and 
as writing during the Holy Sacrifice should be lim- 
ited as much as possible, addresses are better 
omitted. 

This method is much facilitated by the circum- 
stance that many youngsters from being freehand 
crayon artists on week-days remain so in Sunday 
clothes, and thereby effect that an adequate supply 
of pencils scattered with sufficient evenness among 
the crowd is rarely if ever wanting. The cards, 
being handed to arrivals as they enter the church 
and collected while the congregation stands for the 
Credo, come and go almost unnoticed. Afterward 
the priest's special aid, having easily arranged the 
signatures in the order of the corresponding pew 
numbers, can In a few moments transfer the com- 
munion returns to the right of the attendance book, 
where they will remain permanently. 

I am quite confident that the above simple 
method of recording sustains the claim advanced 
for it, of placing compendiously before the superi- 
or's eye full information concerning his followers, 
thus assuring him ready data whereon to commend 
or to **reprove, entreat, rebuke," and even dismiss, 
accordingly as the various showings of membership 
demand. Furthermore, a method such as the pro- 
posed can be maintained with light personal effort 
on the priest's part. As we have seen, the letters 
signifying attendance, *T" and "L," are written 
during the meetings by the officers, and the absence 
mark *'A" can be supplied afterward by the direct- 
or's special assistant. The latter will also easily 
trace the little crosses signifying settlements of 
dues. So the clergyman's part need not be more 



3 1 6 Apostolic Bookkeeping 

than mere superintendence, plus the simple task of 
affixing, to the delinquency marks, such figures (i, 
2, or 3 In the author's practice) as will Indicate 
whatever warning notice he may be accustomed to 
have addressed and mailed. 

While the presented record permits no alphabeti- 
cal arrangement of names. It is none the less neces- 
sary that the person In charge shall be able to 
promptly reach the page telling of any particular in- 
dividual ; hence the attendance books will have to be 
supplemented with a directory giving the members 
alphabetically, each with his proper pew number 
added. To be sure this A-B-C guide would attain 
Its essential object by giving the follower's name and 
pew number alone ; but it may just as well carry the 
address also and will certainly prove an excellent 
means of recording the date of the lad's admission 
(necessary at election time), as well as his age.^ 

^It will probably be difficult to find any "index book" an- 
swering the present purpose as well as the sparsely leaved 
article known in the trade simply as the "index." Usually 
twelve inches by seven and one-half, or a little larger, it pro- 
vides a couple of pages for each of the twenty-four letters and 
without superfluous bulk offers sufficient space for the amount 
of matter just mentioned. 



CHAPTER XXXII 
POLITICS 

SECTION I — BOY OFFICERS: — HOW THEY CAN 
PROVE HELPFUL 

Elsewhere I have suggested, for a special class 
of societies anyway, the appointment of rather nu- 
merous aids raised above the ranks by only a single 
modest degree and sure to be of assistance in the 
aggregate; these minor dignitaries, always receiv- 
ing their charges separately and privately from the 
priest alone, slip into place at any time without 
causing the slightest stir. However, no association 
can undertake to do without a higher group of pub- 
lic servants; they are the regular "officers," few in 
number but absolutely necessary for the management 
of affairs, and for that reason so conspicuously ele- 
vated above their fellows as not to be had without 
considerable ado over their selection. 

Such assistance being Indispensable for the pri- 
mary task of keeping account of attendance at even- 
ing meetings, they may as well be called, after that 
distinctive occupation, "markers." As reasonably 
careful, observant lads engaged In this work can 
each do justice to about forty members. It Is clear 
that the markers need not be many; an encouraging 
fact, for, since the director must keep closely In 
touch with his recording angels, he will consult con- 
venience by reducing them to the minimum num- 
ber consistent with perfect performance of their 
task. 

317 



3 1 8 Politics 

The corps of name-takers ought to act under the 
supervision of a juvenile chief having general 
charge of the attendance books, and placed in 
readiness for substitute work in case any regular 
appointee should fail to appear. When large mem- 
bership so demands, this office of general superin- 
tendence can be filled by two or three individuals, 
all of whom will be appropriately called secre- 
taries ; but these incumbents, raised to a plural num- 
ber, will naturally include a magnate placed over 
his one or two associates and therefore installed as 
the director's supreme vicar. Let the "pick of the 
flock," in point of practical intelligence, fidelity, 
and experience, be assigned to the secretary depart- 
ment as it is here explained, and they can always be 
trusted to cope fairly well with extraneous details, 
leaving the spiritual guide comparatively free to 
care for the features of the evening that are pe- 
culiarly his own. 

Strictly speaking, an organized set of aids such 
as the above, though planned for the special duty 
of marking attendance, could without numerical in- 
crease discharge all other functions of the meeting 
assignable to the boys; but, as the administration 
gains by multiplying such satellites as are easily 
followed in their revolutions or can do little harm 
by revolving amiss, a preferable plan is to permit 
additions to the official board — all of them under 
the control of the secretaries — for other and lesser 
services to be rendered. Consequently, I would find 
need of prayer leaders and of a couple or a quar- 
tette of "marshals," the latter having the police 
duty of enforcing an orderly exodus at the even- 
ing's close. A "treasurer" or two will perhaps 



Boy Officers; How Helpful 319 

prove desirable; though if the views presented In 
one of my financial sections are accepted the 
"money gatherer" will hardly appear before his 
companions enough to find himself either of orna- 
ment or of use. 

Obviously, the foregoing full corps of assistants, 
besides giving requisite attention to the mechanism 
of meetings, can become most helpful to discipline. 
For the development of efficiency in this respect, let 
the spiritual leader habitually express, both before 
the members and privately, full reliance on the 
officers as custodians of order; and as much as pos- 
sible let him deal with any breaches of the peace 
through his aids, instead of acting directly on the 
transgressors themselves. Youths appreciative of 
their society and prominently placed before the 
public eye as the society's main supports acquire 
quite a keen sense of responsibility, crowned with 
willingness to make their authority felt. 

The boys' leader, realizing how much assistance 
can be gained through well-disposed, competent 
subordinates, will naturally desire that in their se- 
lection certain considerations be applied. Clearly 
the officers should be chosen from among the oldest 
and most faithful of his following; they should re- 
main as permanently as possible in positions be- 
come familiar with experience ; and finally the aids, 
when obliged to relinquish their charges to new 
lieutenants, ought not to retire in a body, but suc- 
cessively. Direction of the juvenile society, like 
that of any other somewhat lively and puzzling in- 
dustry, is likely to prove excessively difficult when 
it must be effected through assistant managers all 
or most of whom are "green." 



320 Politics 

Since these conditions should be consulted in the 
choice of helpers and in the determination of their 
tenure of office, the organizer is to be congratu- 
lated on the fact that he is entirely free to regulate 
the whole matter as is best. I would have the lat- 
ter begin by reserving to himself power to appoint 
the one, two, or three secretaries just mentioned as 
having authority over all of their fellow officers. 
As these constitute the priest's chief supports it is 
desirable that they be just the lads of the entire 
fraternity on whom he can most confidently rely. 

Further than this, however, let him not dare pro- 
ceed by way of autocratic choice. It would be dis- 
astrous to disfranchise one's followers, for the 
"election" is among the best and most easily pro- 
cured of our attractions. Indeed a non-voting body 
would be decidedly un-American and sure to fail 
in a land where every second individual or so is an 
actual or prospective bidder for the popular suf- 
frage. But, if the spiritual father may not nullify 
his work by proscribing the ballot box, neither 
should the boys be allowed to invoke ruin by fan- 
ning political rivalry above its welcome degree of 
wholesome warmth into a withering white heat. 
Be warned by the fiasco of many a director who 
after holding a whirlwind election of officers to run 
his society has found himself with no society in 
particular to be run. 

SECTION II — THE ELECTION; IT CAN BE MADE A 

SOURCE OF MODERATE, WHOLESOME 

EXCITEMENT 

Let US now see how "campaigns" can be so con- 
ducted as to furnish some attractive stir without 



The Election %Zl 

creating the effect of tornado, blizzard, and earth- 
quake combined. 

It is to be hoped that my counsels in this matter 
will not be discredited by their failure to offer guid- 
ance for the very beginnings of organization; the 
new director starts as best he can, though probably 
his wiser course will be to personally make Initial 
appointments for all posts, registering at the same 
time a promise that elections will be Introduced 
later on. What I desire to suggest is that the first 
incumbents be installed to remain in power until 
the end of their membership and this with an 
understanding that all future voting shall be 
confined to the creation of an Appointment List 
of prospective officers destined to replace succes- 
sively the actual ones accordingly as these will one 
by one resign. 

To apply this system It will first of all be neces- 
sary to decide (perhaps by the criterion given be- 
low) what individuals are ehglble for future dig- 
nities and consequently entitled to stand forth as 
candidates for early accession to the same. These 
parties must be determined In advance of the elec- 
tion for the reason that their names, printed In 
alphabetical order, will constitute the ballot on 
which each member is to mark a fixed number of 
crosses designating his favorites. After the vote 
has been cast and the count of crosses made, the 
candidates are placed in rank according to the num- 
ber of suffrages received, "ties" being settled by lot. 
The formation of this expectant line completes the 
process, for the roll of "eligibles," thus rearranged 
by the vox populi, becomes our finished Appoint- 
ment List ; the priest gracefully placing himself un- 



322 Politics 

der constitutional obligation of accepting Its names 
in their given sequence for positions on the board 
of officers just as vacancies will occur. 

However, the foregoing plan for promotions 
Into the administrative circle need not imply that 
each new helper must necessarily take the exact of- 
ficial post just relinquished. On the contrary, the 
organizer should always retain entire liberty to as- 
sign his assistants, old or new, to whatever charge 
may seem best. Much less should any agreement 
bind the director to accept as lieutenants those 
whom the actual call to honors may find making a 
poor showing in point of membership; rather he 
must reserve freedom to advance none but models 
of regularity; and freedom, therefore, to cancel all 
right of succession In claimants discredited by im- 
perfect records in the society's books. 

A moment's consideration gives assurance that 
''politics," toned down by the proposed measures, 
can not possibly create a warlike situation. The 
electors are not given the heated occupation of 
striving to hoist their friends immediately into 
command, but are called to the calmer endeavor of 
merely placing favorites well in line for promotion 
to occur In the course of time. Furthermore, ex- 
isting Incumbents are in no wise open to attack; 
they remain in power until ready to withdraw dlg- 
nlfiedly of their own accord and in deference to 
advancing years. This prospect eliminates what, 
after all, is the most potent cause of combustion; 
for among junior "state savers," the same as 
among senior, political excitement runs amuck less 
from getting the right persons In than from getting 
the wrong fellows out. 



The Election 323 

Indeed, it may be thought that a struggle In 
which only distant honors are to be gained and no- 
body can be badly mauled will fail of generating 
any real electioneering spirit attractive to the 
youthful crowd; but a fair trial will certainly con- 
firm the writer's experience to the contrary. In 
default of a fierce fight the boys can do very well 
with a lesser one ; accordingly emulation regarding 
place on the Appointment List, while never lead- 
ing to excess, will always stir interest to a whole- 
some degree. 

SECTION III — PREPARING THE BALLOT 

It remains to answer a question naturally on the 
reader's lips: — "How does the writer propose 
forming the eligible list on which the members at 
large are to vote?" 

I would have it made up, as always seems rea- 
sonable to our young friends, with the names of 
their more "venerable" associates. During the 
early developments of the organization these "old- 
est members" can be such in point of age simply, 
e.g., all that are sixteen or over; but later on candi- 
dates should be the grayest of ancients In the sense 
of enjoying precedence in point of time on the fra- 
ternity's roll. 

Let it be supposed, for example, that during 
1908 preparations must be made for an election, 
and that the non-officers then longest In the ranks 
are found to have entered during January, 1904; 
such being the case, the eligible list or ballot for 
1908 will present all of the boys who joined In 
January, 1904, plus recruits received during Febru- 



324 Politics 

ary, March, and April of the same year, and so 
on until the total of names will have reached 
whatever figure the leader is pleased to permit. It 
may be found desirable to present a considerable 
number of the flock to be thus voted into line for 
future positions. Something like one-tenth of the 
entire body can with propriety be accorded the 
honor, which, by the way, exerts no small influence 
toward binding each recipient more closely to the 
organization. 

On opposite page will be found the form of bal- 
lot used by the author. 

Reviewing the foregoing remarks, one notes 
with pleasure a most favorable additional result of 
the measures a director may naturally adopt to- 
ward making elections safely exciting; they accom- 
plish the equally important purpose of establishing 
the board of officers under the exact conditions I 
have demanded at the outset in order that the 
board may prove truly helpful to the director him- 
self. Coadjutors to be efficient must be attached 
and faithful; but such, and no others, can be ac- 
quired through the operation of a voting system 
that invariably elevates the oldest of the flock; for 
young people have not persevered notably in an as- 
sociation unless the same has proved congenial; 
neither will any thoroughgoing pious union have 
tolerated prolonged membership in those unmind- 
ful of rules. 

Besides, by the proposed elective method, the ut- 
most of official permanency possible under the cir- 
cumstances is also assured. Aids are chosen to re- 
main in position during the rest of their sodality 
days and then retire — not in a body, leaving all de- 



Preparing the Ballot 325 



St. Aloysius* Sodality, 

St Ignatius* Church, 

84tb St. and Psrk Ave., New York, 



Blectloa tor places oa the Appoiatmeat List, 

Tuesday, October 15th, 1907. 



CANDIDATES 

(Enrolled in the Sodality during the latter half of the 
year 1903, or January, 1904.) 



.Black, John T. (Address) 

Gray, Peter ♦' 

, Green, Matthew R.» 



e^ NOTICE TO THE VOTER ,J^ 

You are not allowed to vote for more than 
three of the above candidates. If this rule should 
be broken, the ballot will not be counted. Mark 
a cross (X) before the name of each boy whom 
you favor. 



» The rest of the names with addresses follow in alpha- 
betical order. 



326 Politics 

partments at the mercy of inexperienced successors 
— but singly, each in turn relinquishing his place to 
the highest in line on the Appointment List. 

Hence the conclusion that the boys' friend can 
admit the exercise of suffrage into his special field 
with all the welcome it merits in the outer world. 
Among juveniles, politics, if tactfully guided, can 
not fail of furnishing genuine attraction nor of cre- 
ating "public servants" true to the name. 



CHAPTER XXXIII 
THE SOCIETY'S COMMUNION SUNDAY 

SECTION I — SUPPORTING ONE RULE BY MEANS OF 
ANOTHER 

Appropriately occupying the place of honor 
in the procession of subjects, this chapter and the 
one immediately following outrank all that pre- 
cedes; for they are devoted to our pre-eminently 
important work of promoting reception of the sac- 
raments. And, leaving another field for this holy 
endeavor to be treated in the next and final group 
of pages, we must first of all consider the endeavor 
as applied to the enrolled members of societies. 
How, then, shall organized boys be led, in the larg- 
est numbers and with the highest obtainable reg- 
ularity, to approach the altar worthily? 

The undertaking demands, to begin with, that 
the members always receive an advance reminder 
of the appointed day. Meanwhile, since many of 
the lads are heedless of Sunday Mass deliverances, 
and many of their parents are equally heedless 
or perhaps absent from church, notification 
should not be limited to announcements from the 
altar. 

Usually, of course, adequate heralding of the 
event may conveniently occur cither verbally in 
meetings or in post-vacation circulars for the re- 
sumption of meetings; but, at times, certainly, 
prints prepared especially for the occasion prove 

337 



328 The Society's Communion Sunday 

essential to excellent results. Thus, regardless of 
what may be done at other seasons, the latter form 
of advertisement must be employed through the 
long summer vacation, during which period, as I 
firmly believe, any established rule of receiving can 
and should be maintained — at least in most locali- 
ties. 

But, while it is a very simple matter to issue re- 
minders for the society's Sunday, the further un- 
dertaking of fostering attendance thereon is the 
most delicate of our apostolate. My own efforts 
in this matter are made through a regulation in 
favor of monthly communion; the which regula- 
tion is purposely denied strict enforcement but 
nevertheless gains considerable strength in virtue 
of its abiding close companionship with a sec- 
ond and amply sanctioned precept. Our *'rule" 
(as it is called) of approaching the altar is ever 
proclaimed as not really binding for every one of 
the twelve sacred occasions of the year; however, 
this modifying feature does not prevent the man- 
date from enabling the lawgiver to mildly require 
perfect regularity, and to require the same with 
such earnestness of expectation as to influence both 
boys and parents of the better-disposed class. 

Meanwhile the "rule," operated as it is in close 
conjunction with an unremittingly vigilant, almost 
merciless, enforcement of attendance at evening 
meetings, avails through that partnership to bring 
numbers of less fervent Christians to the perform- 
ance of a saving monthly act not positively en- 
joined. This happy outcome is easily explained. 
The director's resolutely exact enforcement of law 
in one department is so easily transferred by his in- 



Neglectful Communicants Tolerated 329 

considerate charges to a closely allied second de- 
partment that many a boy, after having been 
promptly "whipped Into line" for evening meet- 
ings, Immediately joins the "strict observance" re- 
garding sacramental affairs and perseveres therein 
rather than run the slightest risk of again Incur- 
ring the apostolic rod. 



SECTION II COMMUNICANTS WHO ARE SOME- 
WHAT NEGLECTFUL TO BE TOLERATED. IN- 
FLUENTIAL LEADERS FOR THE MOVE- 
MENT EASILY FORMED 

Question may be raised whether. In view of the 
success here chronicled, It would not be better to 
establish for the monthly com^munlon as strict a 
rule as the one in force for evening gatherings ; but 
reflection, I believe, justifies adherence to the more 
liberal policy just advanced. The foregoing half- 
meant item of legislation, especially when cared for 
by a priest seen to proceed with great firmness in 
a kindred matter, always exerts very satisfactory 
pressure without curtailing the allowance for hu- 
man weakness that the present undertaking de- 
mands. 

It is truly sad when a neglected youth can not 
achieve good standing in his society save by mak- 
ing, in real deed, a protest raised to the twelfth 
power against his family tradition of receiving 
holy communion once a year or less. Too often, 
for that matter, the poor fellow becomes something 
of a domestic confessor of the Faith by entering 
the confessional as much as three or four times 
yearly. There is, then, need of a policy yielding 



330 The Society* s Communion Sunday 

enough to fully ratify the membership of spiritual 
unfortunates even when such membership fails of 
being fully sanctified in the special way desired. 
And here, be it remembered, encouraging treat- 
ment enables recipients to retain licit pride in their 
connection with the union and to recruit it with 
other lads of their own class. Moreover, spiritual 
weaklings are led by such treatment to kneel at the 
communion table at least occasionally; later, their 
visits there may be multiplied. 

Meanwhile, encouraging feasibility attaches to 
the plan of exacting regular attendance at com- 
munion of the officers of the fraternity and of thus 
providing each of the sacred undertakings with a 
solid, dignified front. Indeed, I do not know of 
anything, looking to successful organization, that 
is more readily understood and accepted by those 
concerned than the necessity of good example in 
membership given the rank and file by those in 
authority. 

And while this most valuable pious leadership 
may not always spontaneously assert itself in a sat- 
isfactory degree, be assured that nursing will soon 
place it In full evidence. My own educational 
watchfulness begins with the future lieutenant as 
soon as his nose appears on the Appointment List. 
If unmindful of admonitions, he Is never advanced 
from our official halfway house to the gubernato- 
rial halls ; or, should promotion be merited, the clos- 
est of attention always awaits the new officer's pos- 
sible slightest deviation from the Indicated devout 
path. In fact, this positive attitude toward sub- 
ordinate leaders of the organization Is emphasized 
by the use of a special admonitory card taking ac- 



*^ Facer e Misertcordiam Magis Place f 331 

count of any single absence from the altar on the 
part of those in high places. 



SECTION III "fACERE MISERICORDIAM MAGIS 

PLACET DOMINO QUAM VICTIM^" 

As everybody of course would expect, the lesser 
frequentation expected of his plain members does 
not at all exempt the director from the necessity 
of dealing with many delinquents sure to fail 
even under the operation of a very lenient rule. 
These the busy worker must reach chiefly by means 
of printed matter which if prepared in accordance 
with the above gentle policy will be conveniently 
reduced to a single card noncommittal as to the 
number of absences, and running about as follows : 

Dear Friend: 

It appears that you are not attending the monthly 
communions, which are of chief importance in the 
sodality. Next Sunday (third Sunday of the month, 
seven o'clock Mass) will be our communion day. 
Please be present if possible. 

Here, as in warnings concerning evening meet- 
ings missed, a diplomatic indefiniteness regarding 
the amount of neglect permits the director to use 
the same tonic on all of his weaklings. However, 
with non-attendance at holy communion at Issue, 
it would seem the safer course to forward notices 
only when there Is well-grounded hope of securing 
amendment. For on the one hand, as I am about 
to plead, failure to respond should be very rarely 
treated as warranting suspension ; and on the other 
hand there is danger that boys will become some- 



332 The Society's Communion Sunday 

what hardened against the proposed pious practice 
if steadily peppered thereunto with priestly solicita- 
tions, all of which the boys are allowed to ignore. 

And if circumspection should be had in simply 
coaxing members to the altar, it is assuredly de- 
manded far more for the dismissal of those who 
can not be so coaxed. Suspension, as we have seen, 
is always something of a menace to the disciplined 
individual; if openly inflicted for the present cause, 
it may produce the very worst of results. 

We are now intensely concerned with the fact 
that unreasonable characters who have been justly 
punished to the limit are often led by contrariness 
to stand afterward, and perhaps through life, 
against the very thing that was being enforced. 
That a boy dropped in connection with meetings 
follows the above feeling to the extent of renounc- 
ing them finally, matters comparatively little; but 
when the reception of the sacraments has become 
for our young friend the point at issue, his corre- 
sponding resolution can result far more seriously. 

Besides, even though no resentment has been ex- 
cited, disciplinary action in the matter now before 
us is always in danger of supplying careless indi- 
viduals with what they can work into an "excuse" 
for indifference to prescribed religious practice. 
Poor human nature often abandons itself to neglect 
on the mere shadow of a reason; hence, the un- 
happy course often followed under the given cir- 
cumstances by many a lad of unrufiled feelings but 
of poor spiritual unbringing. On finding that the 
missing of holy communion has caused him to be 
"out with" the sodality, the youth argues that he 
must then be pretty much "out with" the Church. 



^'Facere Misericordiam Magis Place f' 333 

Of course, had the same youngster (entirely 
free, as we suppose, from ill will) been similarly 
disciplined for neglect of evening meetings, it would 
never have entered his head to let ecclesiastical ac- 
tion in connection with those week-night affairs of 
secondary religious importance discredit his Cath- 
olic standing in his own eyes. But holy communion 
is the same whether received through mere sodality 
rule or in fulfilment of strict, solemn Easter duty; 
and our young friend, from being something of an 
outcast for failure to receive in accordance with the 
first of these obligations, is unhappily ready to dis- 
courage himself as if he were a more or less formal 
outcast through refusal to receive in compliance 
with the greater law. 

Clearly priests who may be led by the foregoing 
views will rarely, if ever, permit absence from the 
altar to be ostensibly the fault requiring dismissal. 
Assuming that the delinquent still profits by partici- 
pation in the union's non-sacramental activities, for- 
feiture of membership will not be called for as bene- 
fiting himself; and, if judged necessary to the com- 
mon good, can nearly always rest on some reason 
less delicate than the present one. Finally, should 
any lad have to be removed from the list for no 
other assignable fault than the neglect now consid- 
ered, I would wish to proceed with full, clear per- 
sonal explanations and much kindness, hoping 
thereby to make the measure so well understood in 
its motive and bearings as not to be sorely felt. 



CHAPTER XXXIV 
FIRST COMMUNION FOR STREET BOYS 

SECTION I — A FIELD FOR THE LAY FRIENDS OF 
YOUTH 

Faithful to the paramountly important pur- 
pose of promoting recourse to the sacraments, I 
now consistently relinquish the subject of fraterni- 
ties altogether and devote my final chapter to the 
work, not necessarily connected with organizations, 
of aiding neglected lads to make their initial ap- 
proach to the altar. 

This, the final appeal, then, seeks assistance to be 
given non-communicant youngsters in their teens 
who can not be led to enter any parochial or regu- 
larly organized Sunday-school; for, owing largely 
to our great foreign Catholic influx and despite 
tireless pastoral labor, unfortunates of the kind 
have become very numerous in American towns. 
It will not be amiss if these victims of parental care- 
lessness be spoken of as "street boys*'; to be sure 
many of their number are above that classification; 
nevertheless, they are mostly youths who owing in 
part to lack of adequate home accommodations and, 
still more, to lack of home care, spend their free 
time chiefly in the public thoroughfares. A blessing 
indeed it will be if the hands guiding such to the 
altar can be strengthened and multiplied. 

Since an increase of competent workers is in view, 
what follows is addressed less to brother priests and 

334 



Small Classes By All Means Preferable 335 

other persons of sacred calling than to those of the 
zealous laity willing to exert themselves under pas- 
toral direction. And here one may repeat the 
often-made remark, that Catholic seculars are some- 
what slow to understand their power In behalf of 
their neighbors. Contemplating the temporal sacri- 
fices, unstinted devotion, and resulting triumphs 
that attach to the priestly and religious states, ex- 
cellent people of the ordinary paths of life easily 
believe themselves totally unfitted for any consider- 
able effort toward succoring those In spiritual need. 
Making labor thereunto begin with the vow of 
celibacy, if not that of poverty, they are much in 
the position of able-bodied war-time citizens who 
might consider the perfected organization and 
splendid capabilities of the regular army with the 
result of judging all volunteer co-operation to be 
useless and puerile. It is hoped that, in some In- 
stances anyway, this sentiment of false humility will 
yield to the considerations about to be presented; 
for I shall now endeavor to show that the street 
boys' first-communion class can be so conducted as 
to be found entirely feasible by multitudes of re- 
ligiously-minded lay people, Including especially 
many of the gentler sex. 

SECTION II — SMALL CLASSES BY ALL MEANS 
PREFERABLE 

Since careless, more or less illiterate, and wholly 
undisciplined youngsters are now to be helped, there 
need be no surprise if the methods about to be pro- 
posed depart boldly from the instructional ways in 
ordinary use. 



33 6 First Communion for Street Boys 

Thus my first recommendation is In favor of very 
small classes. Half a dozen scholars should usually 
be considered the maximum number. The quasi- 
family spirit resulting from this restriction stifles 
the spirit of mischief so natural to rude juveniles. 
Besides the smallness of the group thereby formed 
permits the teacher, seated In the center, to remain 
within actual touching distance of each of his audi- 
tors, and consequently to hold them In close atten- 
tion. 

Furthermore, the present plan of graduation is 
not the usual one of having all finish together — the 
class making Its first communion In a body. Rather 
each member, as soon as sufficiently prepared, with- 
draws from the sessions and receives without await- 
ing his companions. Neither are the neglected lads 
of the neighborhood to be taken In distinct groups, 
one following the other. The maintenance of a 
single continuous class formed by members succeed- 
ing one another Individually Is entirely feasible. As 
the elementary instructions about to be described 
are such that a new arrival easily begins at any part 
of the course, "raw recruits'* can be accepted and 
placed just as fast as first communions have been 
made. 

The task of supplying material for operations 
becomes much reduced when we consider that the 
little school, if conducted along congenial lines (in- 
cluding, of course, some flavoring with small 
prizes), will in all probability receive many appli- 
cants furnished by Its own past and present mem- 
bers. Boys are very exact accountants of one an- 
other's need of spiritual opportunities, and once 
pleased with membership in a class providing the 



Teaching By Way of Friendly Chat 337 

needed opportunities are almost sure to advertise 
things with such success as to make the class prac- 
tically self-feeding. 

And finally the rule of small parties of learners 
is again advisable as simplifying the matter of lo- 
cating the sessions. Generally a mere handful of 
street lads can be instructed in some corner attached 
to the church ; and for that matter are never so for- 
midable as to forbid the hope of their being gath- 
ered, if necessary, In the home of a zealous lay 
patron. 

SECTION III — TEACHING BY WAY OF FRIENDLY 
CHAT 

Passing to the question of effectively presenting 
Instructional matter, we find that, since most of the 
beneficiaries, not to speak of their probable laziness, 
are unable to read well, if at all, there is good rea- 
son why catechisms and other prints — save what- 
ever may prove needful regarding the prayers — 
should be dispensed with. 

Assuredly, ''faith by hearing" must of strict ne- 
cessity be the rule for those who can not but find in 
any booklet a: discouraging clog to proceedings. In 
fact. It may be confidently asserted that better at- 
tention is likely to follow when the teacher himself, 
wholly at ease In his matter, proceeds without 
printed guidance. Boys, the same as other mortals, 
listen arrectis aurihus to the speaker full of his sub- 
ject; but on the other hand they do not easily per- 
ceive any Inspiring abundance of the subject In one 
who seems dependent on a book In order to know 
what comes next. 



338 First Communion for Street Boys 

As is seen in this declaration of independence of 
the printed page, I am here no advocate of the 
home study (some trifling outlay on the prayers ex- 
cepted) fostered in day-schools, but rather regard 
the same as a feature that would certainly drive our 
disciples away. If the average street boy is to learn 
enough religious truth for practical purposes, it will 
be by simply hearing the necessary modicum re- 
peated over and over until the same is well lodged 
in his mind ; for, while under proper treatment the 
creature can be induced to listen well on a few 
occasions; more he will not do. 

Again, present circumstances would seem to for- 
bid the rather stiff, businesslike air of proceeding 
exclusively, or even chiefly, by way of question and 
answer. Neither, on the other hand, can interroga- 
tions be wholly eschewed. Often enough they are 
necessary as a means of measuring the scholars* 
progress and still more frequently for the purpose 
of sustaining attention. The latter aim seems all 
the better attained if the teacher, in making repeti- 
tions, holds every part of his matter in readiness for 
either the indicative or the interrogative mood; so 
that, once a point of doctrine has been explained, 
the boys feel themselves always liable to be asked 
concerning it. Queries that thus hover in the air 
ever ready to swoop down on heedless auditors are 
most effective in keeping minds on the alert. 

Meanwhile, the plan here unfolded does not pre- 
vent one from honoring the modest resources of the 
learners by usually shaping questions in such a way 
as to permit laconic replies. Indeed, especially with 
beginners, it may often be well to try for nothing 
more than the monosyllabic "y^s** or the equally 



Suiting Length and Language to the Boys 339 

brief "no" that boys preferably venture when talk- 
ing on business and not for fun. 

Now, if the teacher while following the course 
just outlined, encourages his young people to make 
themselves heard at will, not only by answering 
questions but also by proposing difficulties, the re- 
sulting instruction — which can hardly be considered 
catechism — becomes what the author prefers to call 
it, a simple friendly chat. There are, of course, 
chats and chats; this one takes from Its supremely 
important subject a degree of dignity quite new to 
the word. 



SECTION IV — SUITING LENGTH AND LANGUAGE TO 
THE BOYS 

In determining the amount of matter to be taught 
the disciples here contemplated, we must of course 
be guided by the time space they will put at our 
disposal. 

This, I think, may be calculated about as follows. 
Some thirty or forty minutes is as much of a weekly 
evening as the lively youngsters will easily spend 
apart from the gay city billows for uneventful re- 
pose in the theological dry dock; and two months or 
so of such sacrifice, or a total of eight sessions more 
or less, is all that can be ordinarily expected of their 
short-winded perseverance. Now the course of 
dogma must be trimmed down to admit of a suffi- 
ciency of repetitions in the given moments ; In other 
words It must be so brief that, during some eight 
sittings each of the points presented will successively 
reappear often enough for familiarization by the 
hearers. 



340 First Communion for Street Boys 

As will at once be understood, in thus counting 
on the entire feasible time limit (some two months 
of weekly chats) , I am looking to those of the pros- 
pective first communicants who are most handi- 
capped; fewer sessions, clearly, may answer for such 
lads as are better prepared by natural quickness or 
by some slight previous training. 

The street boys' teacher, while unwilling to be 
excessive as to the amount of doctrine taught, must 
be equally careful not to overdo in his style of 
speech. Regarding this matter, readers are referred 
to the views of an earlier chapter in favor of treat- 
ing the general gathering of parish boys with utter 
plainness of expression. And assuredly, if these 
views counted for anything when advanced regard- 
ing discourses delivered before the miscellaneous 
juvenile assembly, they apply with new force to 
oral effort on young scapegraces whose still 
scantier scholastic equipment quickens resentment of 
verbal liberties taken with their defenseless under- 
standings. 

Present exigencies, then, call for decisive action 
regarding even the received catechetical terms of 
considerable length — such as supernatural, infalli- 
bility, etc. — already viewed askance in my plea for 
the simple wording of instructions for societies. 
These expressions, which if used in a meeting de- 
mand explanation in easier language, seem now 
justly banned altogether. We are here engaged in 
a breathless enterprise that leaves the tutor no time 
for helping his undeveloped disciples to thoroughly 
master popularized theological terms, but forces 
him to economize by steadily repeating religious 
truth in whatever words are most perfectly under- 



Apostolicity a Central Feature 341 

stood. Thus using the boys' own stumpy forms of 
speech you can sufficiently and permanently famil- 
iarize a young *'tough" with the coming birth, life, 
death, and resurrection of Christ during moments 
that had been practically wasted in any attempt to 
teach even the first of these mysteries by attuning 
the learner's understanding and memory to the sin- 
gle word, ''Incarnation." 

While using the simplest and plainest of lan- 
guage, the worker may well lean a little to realism 
by emphasizing connections existing between the 
higher subjects under treatment and familiar 
earthly things; for religious truth is all the better 
enabled to secure due place in youthful minds when 
It is found linked with the material world about us. 
Thus a better impression will be made by directing 
the class to such matter-of-fact items as the number 
of years that have elapsed since Christ was born; 
the apostles' names used in the boys' own family cir- 
cles; the name of the bishop of the diocese, etc., etc. 

Further aid of the kind is available through the 
employment of pictures illustrating the divine mys- 
teries, the lives or martyrdoms of the apostles, and 
the like. But the most helpful of all material ac- 
cessories are likely to be a tin chalice and ciborium 
together with pasteboard wafers, large and small, 
to be used in furnishing a vivid and never to be for- 
gotten representation of what occurs at the altar 
during Mass. 

SECTION V — ^APOSTOLICITY A CENTRAL FEATURE 

When untutored minds are to be evangelized by 
means of a few brief lessons it is all important, of 



342 First Communion for Street Boys 

course, to present the religious truths in whatever 
order and with whatever relative prominence will 
enable them to be best retained. As regards the 
first of these needs, no doctrinal sequence assuredly 
can be preferred to that of the Apostles' Creed. 
However, on turning to the second of the above 
aims, one may find himself justified in altering the 
same Creed's division of honors among the doc- 
trines. This departure I would chiefly make by 
placing most conspicuously in the advance fore- 
ground the tenet of apostolicity, which (was it 
through the humility of the divinely favored fisher- 
men?) does not explicitly appear at all in the apos- 
tles' own reputed symbol. 

A reason for the preferred course is easily given. 
The preparation, mission, triumph, and martyrdom 
of the chosen twelve make an account of great nat- 
ural interest which can be helpfully turned to the 
advantage of allied explanations concerning the 
Church's authority to teach and rule in place of 
Christ and to minister for Him the sacraments He 
instituted. My plan is to have the naturally en- 
gaging presentation of apostolicity fix attention 
on other doctrines of first importance much as 
the attractive leading feature of a picture quick- 
ens perception of the picture's less noticeable 
details. 

A moment's consideration shows that under pres- 
ent circumstances the particular tenets just named as 
needing assistance can truly gain by receiving it. 
The street boy's mind, as found by the instructor, 
is often a blank concerning these matters. As re- 
gards ecclesiastical teaching power the lad believes 
the Church to be right — right, that is, up to date; 



ApostoUcity a Central Feature 343 

for all the lad can say she is liable to go wrong to- 
morrow ; while on the other points above mentioned 
— the authority of the Church to rule and her posi- 
tion in sacramental affairs — he really knows next to 
nothing. Now, since these hitherto unbroached doc- 
trines can be repeated to the youth only a few times, 
and since he adds more or less present indifference 
to more or less past inexperience, it is difficult to 
give him any true mental hold on the doctrines con- 
cerned ; such a hold I mean as will enable the youth 
to realize for life that Christ Himself lives in His 
Church and commands attendance at Sunday Mass ; 
that Christ Himself is personally present In the 
Holy Eucharist and Is personally the author of the 
other sacraments. 

In urging that this drawback on the part of 
street-boy auditors calls for the use of a particular 
and providentially sufficient object-lesson, I am 
merely applying a method In growing favor with 
catechlsts and of common use In other departments 
of schooling. If, for example, a teacher must im- 
press on a backward child that Columbus gave us 
America, the teacher can accomplish the task no bet- 
ter than by summarizing the thrilling narrative of 
the discoverer's great seagoing exploit, thus secur- 
ing for the fact of Columbus' benefaction, not 
merely some sort of a hearing, but that earnest, 
thoughtful advertence by which the memory is put 
to its best. 

Now, In our special religious field, the author 
would have the same way of doing. It being neces- 
sary to Inculcate on spiritually backward young peo- 
ple that Jesus Christ gives us His own truth. His 
commands, and His sacraments through His priest- 



344 ^^^^^ Communion for Street Boys 

hood, why not ingratiate and vivify the presenta- 
tion of this body of doctrine by constantly offering 
it as part of the picture replete with natural inter- 
est which portrays Jesus Christ establishing His 
wonderful priesthood in the chosen twelve ? 

Hence, finally, the suggestion made by way of 
practical conclusion that the instructor, while treat- 
ing of the establishment of the Church, will place 
the apostles in the boldest possible relief by recount- 
ing the striking facts of their early weakness, later 
deeds, and heroic deaths ; and that throughout fol- 
lowing explanations on other doctrinal points, he 
will refer at every opportunity to the sainted pi- 
oneer band, thus making it the helpful central fea- 
ture of much that is presented. 



SECTION VI — THE WRITER SUBMITS A "FIRST COM- 
MUNION chat" formed on the above 

IDEAS 

A practical application of the foregoing views is 
placed in the following appendix. There readers 
who may be interested will find a **chat" which, 
with due repetition in each case, has enabled the 
author during a goodly number of years to rapidly 
prepare many a neglected lad for the altar. 

However, it must not be thought that what ap- 
pears below is proposed as something to be followed 
ad literam. On the contrary, one, while asking 
consideration of the general plan just advocated, is 
naturally alive to the advantage of respecting in- 
dividualism in workers, and consequently desirous 
of having each teacher state things in the teacher*s 
own way. 



To Undergo Further Reduction 345 

Meanwhile, the appended "First Communion 
Chat" may encourage some by displaying the au- 
thor's unswerving loyalty to his convictions, espe- 
cially as regards the use of simple language. In 
fact, the latter policy is followed even to the em- 
ployment of a few words so foreign to ordinary re- 
ligious phraseology as to need some sort of an apol- 
ogy for each and every infliction on adult ears. 
These expressions will be found fenced in with par- 
entheses serving as reminders of the plea that what 
seems, to us of superior advantages, most incon- 
gruous is wholly in place for rough, untaught 
boys. 

Confessedly the coming "chat" is named such 
with lesser exactitude, for it presents only the teach- 
er's side of the conversation without attempting to 
reproduce any answers or questions on his disciples' 
part. However, the routine replies of the scholars 
are, of course, obvious, while their original verbal 
contributions will be sampled quickly enough by 
those undertaking the good work recommended. 

Of course, the matter about to be submitted can 
always be interrupted at any point and "continued 
in our next"; but the entire exposition just as 
printed has been found to occupy not more than two 
evening sessions of the short duration stated above. 

SECTION VII DOCTRINAL MATTER TO SOMETIMES 

UNDERGO FURTHER REDUCTION 

Finally, while the following instructional matter 
is not at all bulky, it should without hesitation be 
freely shortened to suit boys handicapped by stu- 
pidity or more than usual inconstancy. 



346 First Communion for Street Boys 

In this connection we must deprecate the mistake 
often made by lay workers who imagine that no- 
body can receive holy communion profitably until 
after acquiring what good Catholics would consider 
a fair amount of catechetical knowledge. On the 
contrary, let a Christian know there is one God who 
rewards and punishes; that in God there are three 
persons, the second of whom has become man; that 
this God-man — Jesus Christ — having established 
the infallible Catholic Church, has given its priests 
power to forgive all sins confessed with true sor- 
row, and our Christian has already completed such 
remote mental preparation as is absolutely neces- 
sary in order to kneel at the Holy Table with at 
least some spiritual gain. 

To be sure, there still remains a requirement, 
placed by ecclesiastical authority, that the recipient 
shall realize Our Lord's divinely effected presence 
in the Blessed Sacrament. But, while teachers con- 
scientiously aim at the fulfilment of this precept, 
they should do so with a clear understanding of the 
precept's bearings. Obedient effort will, then, be 
greatly aided by the encouraging, inspiring remem- 
brance, that here ecclesiastical authority itself 
wishes favor to be shown in doubtful cases where 
improvement is hopeless; and that even down- 
right (though, of course, unintentional) failure 
to impart the foregoing prescribed item of 
religious knowledge does not, after all, nullify 
results. 

Let the instructors concerned find reassurance in 
the truth, that if spiritually-qualified persons be ac- 
cidentally permitted to approach the altar with only 
the slight preparation I have first supposed, such 



To Undergo Further Reduction 347 

persons profit by their approach even though In 
ignorance as to what the Bread of the Altar really 
is. This consoling state of the case is brought home 
to us when we reflect that the Church, through her 
ancient discipline, permitted infants to partake of 
the Heavenly Banquet. 

Meanwhile, the considerations here advanced by 
no means imply that all young people should be 
hurried to the altar on scant preparatory mental 
training. In parochial schools, and usually In Sun- 
day-schools, the small total' of religious information 
just presented is not to be accepted as qualifying 
candidates for the Holy Table but must be made to 
grow ; this In order that the Divine Visitor may be 
more fittingly and fruitfully received. Neverthe- 
less, the same limited total of religious Information, 
should there be no means of making It grow, will 
surely suffice. 

Consequently, the street boys' friend need not 
feel burdened with excessive responsibility If re- 
quested by the pastor to decide whether some par- 
ticular boy shall be permitted to kneel at the altar. 
An affirmative decision, if then rendered, by no 
means affirms that the lad in question has "fair 
knowledge" of his religion, but merely that all cir- 
cumstances considered, the lad's stock of religious 
knowledge — which of course amounts at least to 
the entire minimum just explained — can not be en- 
larged. 

Attention, then, to the efficacy of rudimentary 
catechetical training amply supports the foregoing 
position that we may laudably make ready for back- 
ward and very uncertain youngsters by preparing 
lessons fewer and shorter than even the few brief 



348 First Communion for Street Boys 

ones the writer has to offer. Indeed the latter, will- 
ingly leading in the process of curtailment, expressly 
indicates the parts of his "chat" to be first sacrificed 
in behalf of slow or especially fickle subjects. These 
passages will be known by the fact that they are 
printed in smaller type. 



APPENDIX 
A FIRST COMMUNION CHAT 

SECTION I — THE SIGN OF THE CROSS 

Our holy religion begins with the truth that in 
God there are three divine Persons, the Father, the 
Son, and the Holy Ghost.^ 

Are there then three Gods ? 

We state the truth that there is but one God 
every time we make the Sign of the Cross. For 
why do we say "in the name of the Father, and of 
the Son, and of the Holy Ghost," and why do we 
not say in the names of the Father and of the Son 
and of the Holy Ghost? 

Which of the three divine persons came into this 
world and died on the cross for our sins, God 
the Father, God the Son, or God the Holy 
Ghost? 

The truth that God the Son died on the cross for 
our sins is also stated every time we make the Sign 
of the Cross. To understand this well you must 
know that long ago, when people wanted to kill a 
person, they used to make a wooden cross and to 
that they used to fasten the person whose life was 
to be taken. Now, in making the Sign of the Cross, 
we make what seems some way like the wooden 
cross, for the long movement from head to breast 

^As the reader will kindly recall, statement has been made 
that each and every part of this instruction should be put 
interrogatively whenever the advancement of the learners 
may so demand. 

349 



350 ^ First Communion Chat 

shows like the long beam, and the short movement 
from one shoulder to the other shows like the cross- 
piece. 

In making the Sign of the Cross, then, we mean, 
firstly, that there is one God in three divine per- 
sons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and, 
furthermore, we mean that one of the divine Per- 
sons — God the Son — came into the world and died 
on the cross for our sins. 



SECTION II GOD THE FATHER 

God the Father made all things — heaven, earth, 
and ourselves. He made the first man and woman. 
What were their names? 

Adam and Eve committed a .sin that did us great 
harm. What do you call that sin ? 

(As the word "original" always proves a "poser," 
the boys should be drilled in its pronunciation. 
They may remember the word all the better when 
shown that the sin here spoken of receives its name 
from having been committed at the origin or begin- 
ning of the human race.) 

You may be wondering how Adam and Eve fell 
into original sin. They did so by disobeying God 
and eating fruit from a tree which He had com- 
manded them to leave alone. 

So the sin called original sin was not committed 
by any of us now in this room, nor by any persons 
now living. It was committed by just Adam and 
Eve alone. But do we all come from Adam and 
Eve? Are we, then, born with the stain of this 
sin on our souls? How are we made free from 
that stain? 



God the Son 351 

SECTION III GOD THE SON 

By what name was God the Son known when He 
was In this world? When God the Son came into 
this world did He come a full-grown man or a little 
baby? On what day was He born ? 

Christmas Day is, then, Jesus Christ's birthday. 
What boy in the class has his birthday nearest to 
Our Lord's birthday ? 

We are now in the year 1908. However, that does 
not mean that there have already been just 1907 years, 
making this year the 1908th. We make the present 
year 1908 for another reason — because it is now 1908 
years since Jesus Christ was born. To be sure the 
world was thousands of years old when Christ came 
into it ; but His coming into the world was such a great 
thing that we count time from that coming. 

Since Jesus Christ came into the world like the 
rest of us, a little baby, He had a mother. Who 
was His mother ? There was a holy man who lived 
with the Blessed Virgin and the child Jesus, and 
was thought to be the father of Jesus. Who was 
that holy man? 

Jesus Christ while a boy and a young man 
worked with St. Joseph at their trade, for they were 
carpenters. 

After St. Joseph died Our Lord earned In 
the same way a living for Himself and His 
mother, the Blessed Virgin. This went on until 
He was thirty years of age, then He began to 
preach. 

To what people did Jesus Christ preach ? Was 
He a Jew ? 



352 A First Communion Chat 

We must not think that It was In any way against 
Our Lord that He was a Jew. In those times the 
Jews, while not so wonderfully good, were at least 
the best people going and they remained the best 
people in the world until they turned against Jesus 
Christ. 

After Our Lord had been preaching among them 
for three years, the Jews became angered against 
Him and took His life. 

On what day did they take Our Lord's hfe? 
How did they take His life; was it by starving 
Him, stabbing Him, or what? 

The Stations of the Cross show things that really 
happened when Our Lord was going to be put to 
death on the Cross. He really fell three times on 
the way, met His blessed mother, etc. The spots on 
which these things took place are still known and 
to be seen in the city in which Our Lord died. (The 
learners might all be taken into the church in order 
to consider the passion as represented by the 
Stations. ) 

When Jesus was dead His body was laid in a cave. 
The Jews then took a great stone, such as we have on 
the sidewalks, and putting it up, they closed the mouth 
of the cave. Not satisfied with this, they placed soldiers 
to guard the spot. 

Can any boy tell why it was that the Jews made such 
a fuss over Our Lord's dead body? 

Here is the reason. Jesus Christ had promised that 
after being dead He would come to life again on the 
third day. Now the Jews wanted to make out before 
everybody that His promise was a lie. Their idea 
then was to hold on to the dead body for three days 
and afterward to show it to all of the people. They 



God the Son 353 

could then say to the people, "He told you He would 
come to life, but He is still dead, so He lied." 

Now for this purpose soldiers were put to watch at 
the cave Friday, that was the first day ; and all day 
Saturday, that was the second day, and Sunday, that 
was the third day; but early on the morning of that 
third day Our Lord came to Hfe, just as He had said 
He would. 

On what Sunday, it being the third day after He 
had died, did Jesus Christ come to life? 

(If "Easter eggs" are known in the locality, the 
boys will here be aided by a reminder that the Sun- 
day on which Our Lord came to life is the one 
called Easter, that people celebrate with the use of 
colored eggs. ) 

When Jesus Christ had come to life He at once 
visited His great friends, the apostles. 

Our Lord had twelve of these great friends. The 
apostles' names most commonly heard are Peter, 
Paul, Andrew, James, John, Thomas, Philip, Bar- 
tholomew, and Matthew. Most boys are named 
after the apostles. How many of the class are so 
named? 

Did Jesus Christ pick out these men to build up 
His Church? You may be greatly surprised to 
know that the apostles were the last persons we 
would think of for the work of building up the 
great Catholic Church In all parts of the world. 
They were nothing but poor fishermen, without 
brains, courage, money, or friends. They didn't 
know anything — couldn't even read or write. 

You will be still more surprised, perhaps, on 
learning that it was just because these men were 
"no good" that Our Lord picked them out to build 



354 ^ Ffrj/ Communion Chat 

up His Church. Let us see His reason for such a 
choice. By having only such weak, helpless per- 
sons as these at the work, Christ made it clear that 
His great Church has been placed in the world 
really by His own divine power and not at all by 
the power of men. 

During the three years that Our Lord Jesus 
Christ went about preaching, the apostles were al- 
ways with Him hearing everything He said, and 
seeing everything He did. After He had died and 
come to life, He returned to them and stayed with 
them for forty days. At the end of that time, He 
took the apostles upon a high hill and there they 
saw Him rise from this earth into the clouds and 
so He went up into heaven. 

On what day did Christ go up into heaven ? 

Perhaps there are some here who do not remember 
what "ascension" means. But you all know what a 
balloon ascension is. It is a balloon going up. Now 
Ascension Thursday is the day on which Jesus Christ 
went up into heaven. 

SECTION IV — GOD THE HOLY GHOST 

There are three persons in God : God the Father, 
who made us ; God the Son, who died on the cross 
for us; and God the Holy Ghost. After Jesus 
Christ had gone up into heaven. He sent the Holy 
Ghost into the world. The Holy Ghost came into 
the world in order to help the poor apostles so that 
they would be able to build up the great Catholic 
Church. He came also to take care of the Catholic 
Church for all time, and, besides, to help us all save 
our souls. 



God the Holy Ghost 355 

As the Holy Ghost came first of all to help the 
apostles build up the Church, they were the first 
persons that He visited. On what day did the Holy 
Ghost come down on the apostles ? 

You must know that at the time Jesus Christ suf- 
fered, the apostles were great cowards. When they 
saw the Jews gather around Our Lord and seize 
Him to crucify Him, they ran away so as to save 
themselves. Afterward, when He had been put to 
death they were more frightened than ever. 

It is easy to see why they were in such fear. The 
apostles had been Christ's great friends and on that 
account were afraid that the Jews, after taking His 
life, would take theirs, too. So, after Christ had 
died, these twelve friends of His didn't dare to 
even let themselves be seen, but got ofif to a lonely 
place, hid themselves from everybody and remained 
hiding until the Holy Ghost came upon them. 

After the Holy Ghost had come upon the apos- 
tles were they still afraid? 

One of the ways in which the Holy Ghost helped 
the apostles was that He changed them from being 
cowardly men into men who feared nothing. So, 
after receiving the Holy Ghost, the apostles went 
right out into the streets and told the crowds how 
Christ was God, how He had come to life, and had 
gone up into heaven. 

At that time only a little handful of people be- 
lieved in Christ, but the apostles made known how 
everybody had to believe in Him; and how they 
themselves, Christ's twelve great friends, had been 
picked out by Our Lord to build up His Church. 
Did the apostles then preach these same things 
everywhere ? 



356 A First Communion Chat 

People of the different countries listened to the 
preachers and joined Christ's Church and in that 
way the Church was built up in all parts of the 
world. 

Did the apostles do all this without anything 
painful happening to themselves? 

The bad people who would not believe in Christ 
made Christ's twelve great friends suffer very 
much ; but, as you have seen, the Holy Ghost had 
given the apostles courage to bear for their religion 
anything at all — even death itself. And, helped 
this way by the Holy Ghost, these very men who 
had been so cowardly did die for their religion ; as 
did also crowds bigger than you could count of men, 
women, and children that the apostles had brought 
into the Church. 

Now you couldn't forget the apostles' names if 
you tried, for they are borne by yourselves or at 
least by plenty of your relatives and friends. And, 
since you can not forget their names, it will be easy 
to remember how the different apostles died. So, 
all of you, and especially our friend here, Pete 

, will keep in mind that St. Peter, whom 

Christ made the leader of the apostles and the first 
pope, was crucified like Our Lord, only that St. 
Peter persuaded those who were putting him to 
death to let him die with his head downward; for 
he felt that he was not fit to die exactly the same 
way as Our Lord. 

(Similarly, interest can be directed to the modes 
of death inflicted on other apostles, as follows : St. 
Paul, beheaded with the sword; St. Andrew, cruci- 
fied ; St. Philip, crucified and stoned ; St. James the 
less thrown from a high place and brained; St. 



The Catholic Church 357 

Thomas, speared through the body; St. Matthew, 
martyred at the altar while saying Mass; St. 
Bartholomew, skinned alive.) 

SECTION V — THE CATHOLIC CHURCH 

Were the apostles bishops? 

Our Lord Himself made them bishops; and as 
the Church began with the apostles, they were the 
first bishops of all. 

Did Our Lord give the apostles power to make 
other men be bishops ? Power to make other men 
be priests? When the apostles died did they leave 
bishops and priests after them? 

And so it is straight from the apostles that we 
have bishops and priests to-day. 

Who are the real teachers and rulers of the 
Church, the bishops or the priests ? 

The priests are not the real teachers and rulers 
of the Church but merely helpers of the real teach- 
ers and rulers, who are the bishops. Since the 
bishops all over the world have been put by the 
apostles themselves in place of the apostles, the 
bishops have the same power to teach the Church 
and to command it that the apostles received from 
Jesus Christ. 

Could one find any part of the world with no 
bishop in charge of it? 

The places a bishop has charge of make up what 
is called a diocese. (At this point most street boys 
will gain by being told the name of their bishop and 
of his episcopal city, and by getting some idea of 
the limits of his diocese.) 

What do we call that church which is the bishop's 
own church ? 



358 A First Communion Chat 

The cathedral does not get its name because it is 
the largest church. If the bishop should go and 
live in the smallest church in the diocese, that would 
be the cathedral. 

There is one bishop who is over all the other 
bishops ; what is he called ? Where does he live ? 

(The curiosity of the scholars can be stirred up 
to account for the fact that the present Holy Father 
is not Pius the ninth, nor Pius the eleventh, but Pius 
the tenth. Explain the papal custom of taking a 
new name at election.) 

From what has been said we clearly see how the 
Catholic Church holds together. In it are, to be- 
gin with, the peoples of all nations under the care 
of the priests. But all of the peoples and priests 
are under the care of the bishops ; and the bishops 
of the whole world, having been put by Christ's 
own apostles in the place of the apostles, have the 
apostles own power to teach Christ's truth and to 
command in Christ's name. And, finally, all of the 
peoples, and priests, and bishops are under the care 
of the chief bishop, the Pope, who is the head of 
the Church and in place of Jesus Christ Himself. 

SECTION VI — THE SACRAMENTS 

One of the great things to be said of the bishops 
and priests is that they have received from the apos- 
tles the office that Jesus Christ gave the apostles of 
administering (looking after) the sacraments. 

Here I must tell you what a sacrament is. It is 
something instituted (made, or given to us) by 
Jesus Christ to give grace, that is God's blessing 
and help, to the soul. 



Confession 359 

So the sacraments are very different from other 
things seen in the Church, the which other things 
were not instituted by Our Lord but by the bishops, 
priests, or people. Is the sprinkling of holy water 
a sacrament ? The lighting of holy candles ? 

These doings were instituted, not by Jesus Christ, 
but by the bishops, priests, or people. The same is 
to be said of the blessing of throats, wearing of 
medals or scapulars, and in fact of most of our 
religious doings. Our Lord instituted just the sac- 
raments — seven of them — which He placed in the 
care of the apostles and, through the apostles, in the 
care of the bishops and priests. 

We know that what has just been said about the 
sacraments is true, because it is taught all over the 
world by the bishops of the Catholic Church. 

Have the bishops been put by the apostles them- 
selves in place of the apostles ? 

It follows, then, that the bishops have received 
from the apostles the power that the apostles re- 
ceived from Christ Himself to teach His truth. 

We shall now speak in particular of the 
three sacraments to which you should give most 
attention: Penance, Holy Eucharist, and Con- 
firmation. 



SECTION VII — CONFESSION 

Confession to a priest is a sacrament, for it was 
instituted (made, or given to us) by our Lord Jesus 
Christ and through it He gives to the soul His 
grace or blessing by which sin is forgiven. 

When we go to confession does the priest forgive 
our sins by his own power? 



360 A First Communion Chat 

Neither does the fireman put out the fire by his 
own power. He puts it out by the power of the fire 
engine. All the same by turning the engine's 
stream on the burning house the fireman really 
drives the flames away. But, in like manner the 
priest, by turning the stream of Christ's mercy on 
the soul, really washes the sins away. 

Should the question be put : ''How does the priest 
come to have Christ's power to forgive sin?" we 
must be ready to answer as follows : The priest re- 
ceives this power from the bishop, the bishops hav- 
ing received the same from the twelve apostles ; for, 
as the bishops have been put by the apostles them- 
selves in place of the apostles, the bishops have the 
power that the apostles received from Christ. 

When we go to confession and are in mortal sin, 
are we bound to tell each mortal sin ? Are we bound 
to tell as nearly as possible, the number of times 
each mortal sin has been committed ? 

When we go to confession it is well to tell our 
venial sins also. But now we must see the difference 
between mortal sins and venial sins. The first are 
grave (big) sins that send the soul to hell; the sec- 
ond are lesser sins that send the soul to purgatory. 

Can it be that any soul will ever get out of hell? 
Can it be that any soul will have to remain forever 
in purgatory? 

Let us now suppose that a person going to con- 
fession remembers some mortal sin, but makes up 
his mind not to tell it. Such a person, instead of 
being forgiven, only commits a new sin of the worst 
kind. This he does by insulting a sacrament which 
Jesus Christ has given us through His apostles, 
bishops, and priests. 



Confession 361 

Suppose one who goes to confession has a mortal 
sin on his soul and forgets to tell it, will he be for- 
given ? 

Confession, then, is very easy. If you forget to 
tell your sins they are forgiven just the same, as 
long as you want to tell them and try to think of 
them. 

If we forget a mortal sin, must we tell it the next 
time? 

The sin is already forgiven but, all the same, God 
commands us to tell it the next time we go. 

In order to be forgiven, do we have to be sorry 
for our sins ? 

There are two ways of being sorry for our sins. 
The first way is when I am sorry because I have 
displeased God who will punish me; the second is 
when I am sorry because I have displeased God 
who is so good. Now which is the better way of 
being sorry, the first or the second ? 

The answer to this question is easily seen in other 
matters. For example, two brothers have smashed 
some of the things about their home. One of these 
boys is sorry for the act because he is going to be 
punished ; the other boy is sorry for the act because 
he has displeased his father, who is so good. Clearly 
the second boy has nobler sorrow than the first. 
Now, in confession I must do at least as well as the 
first of these lads ; I must at least be sorry for hav- 
ing displeased God who will punish me and send me 
to hell, and I will do much better if I am also sorry 
for having displeased God, who is so good. 

When a person is sorry for his sins because they dis- 
please God, who is so good, the person's sins are at 
once forgiven without his going to confession. How- 



362 A First Communion Chat 

ever, when anybody has his sins forgiven this way, 
he is obHged to tell the same sins the next time his 
confession is made. 

(Picture instances of mortal sin committed and of 
life endangered and show how the persons concerned 
can instantly make their peace with God.) 

In order to be forgiven in confession, must we 
have our minds made up that, with God's help, we 
will not sin again? 

If one says, "I am sorry for the past sins, but I 
am going to sin over again," he is not really sorry 
for his sins but only pretending to be sorry. 

In order to have real sorrow for our sins, do we 
have to feel like crying? 

The real sorrow we must have for our sins is 
merely a wish that we had not sinned; our minds, 
meanwhile, being made up that with God's help we 
will not sin again. 

The priest gives a penance; is one bound to at- 
tend to it? 

The penance is a punishment that we take from 
the priest for our sins. It is most always some 
prayer to be said. One commits a sin if he puts off 
the doing of the penance very long; and he acts un- 
wisely if he puts it off at all, unless for a good rea- 
son which may turn up now and again. If one can 
not well attend to his penance right after leaving 
the confession box, he might say it the next day dur- 
ing the Mass at which he receives holy communion. 

(Beginners follow with deep interest the guid- 
ance given them in the details of making their con- 
fession. A preliminary visit to the box itself, for 
inspection of its slide, etc., proves acceptable. Still 
further encouragement is afforded by the informa- 



Holy Communion 363 

tion that the formal declarations, "Bless me father 
for I have sinned," etc., can be omitted; and that 
people, after stating the length of time since the 
last confession, have merely to tell their sins and 
make an act of contrition.) 

SECTION VIII — HOLY COMMUNION 

When you go to communion the priest puts some- 
thing on your tongue that seems to be bread. Is it 
bread ? 

What you receive in holy communion is Our 
Lord Jesus Christ under the appearances of (look- 
ing like) bread; the same Christ who, being God, 
became man and died on the cross. 

When you receive holy communion under the ap- 
pearances of bread, does it taste like bread ? Then 
is it not bread ? What is it ? 

If what you receive should fall into water would 
it become soft like bread? Then is it not bread? 
What is it? 

If it should be touched by fire would it turn 
brown and bend like bread? Then is it not bread? 
What is it? 

If some bad person should put it on the ground 
would birds eat it like bread? Then is it not 
bread? What is it? 

As you now see, that which you will receive at the 
altar looks, tastes, and acts in every way like bread. 
So we know it to be Christ, not by anything new or 
strange that we find in it, but only because Christ 
has declared it to be, not bread, but Himself. 

Is Our Lord Jesus Christ on the altar under an 
appearance other than that of (looking like some- 



364 A First Communion Chat 

thing besides) bread? What do we call the altar 
cup of gold or silver that holds what seems to be 
wine? 

You will notice that just before giving communion 
to the people, the priest drinks from the chalice. Does 
that which he then drinks taste like wine? Then is it 
not wine? What is it? 

Does it smell like wine ? Then is it not wine ? What 
is it? 

As you now see that which the priest receives at 
the altar looks, tastes, and acts in every way like wine. 
So we know it to be Christ, not by anything new or 
strange that we find in it, but only because Christ has 
declared it to be, not wine, but Himself. 

But do not imagine that what seems to be bread is 
the body of Christ without His blood. It is the living 
Christ whole and entire — His body and His blood. 
Neither is it to be imagined that what seems to be 
wine is the blood of Christ without His body. It is 
the living Christ whole and entire. His blood and His 
body. 

The truth just stated prepares us for the following 
question. A boy at holy communion receives Our Lord 
under the appearance of bread alone, while the priest 
saying Mass receives Our Lord under the appearances 
of both bread and wine ; now does the boy receive Our 
Lord just as much as the priest does? 

The question you have heard is like this one : A boy 
is taken to the City Hall by only one horse while an- 
other person is taken to the same place by two horses. 
Now, when the boy has reached the City Hall by means 
of one horse, is he just as much there as is the person 
who has come by means of two horses? 

When people who are not sick are going to re- 
ceive holy communion, does the Church forbid them 
to eat or drink after the midnight before? 



Holy Communion 365 

In this matter we may give ourselves the benefit 
of every doubt ; but, when sure that food was swal- 
lowed after twelve o'clock, midnight, we are for- 
bidden to receive communion on that day. 

(As part of their preparation, the boys should 
be made ready to receive as follows : — The tongue 
to be extended just enough to cover the under lip ; 
the sacred particle, should it adhere to the palate, 
to be gently loosened with the tongue, and to be 
reverentially swallowed as soon as it is sufficiently 
softened; no spitting to occur until the communicant 
is certain that the sacred particle has been swal- 
lowed in its entirety.) 

When one is receiving holy communion should 
he try to keep his mind fully centered on what he is 
doing ? 

People gain less at the altar when they go to it 
thoughtlessly, just as they get less strength from 
common food when they take it without any hun- 
gry feeling at all. Here are three great thoughts 
to be kept in sight when we are receiving: Our 
Lord is truly present ; I am not fit to receive Him ; 
since He loves me to do so, I am glad to receive 
Him. 

When you are at Mass and receiving com- 
munion, it is always well to recite the beads or say 
the morning prayers over again. Boys who can 
read do very well by reciting the prayers to be said 
before and after communion which are found in 
the prayer-books. Of course, when the Mass is 
over, it is the right thing to stay in the church a 
few moments to thank Our Lord for the great 
favor He has just done us. 

We must hope that every lad in the class will 



366 A First Communion Chat 

always do this; though to be sure, if one should 
not do it, he would not on that account be guilty of 
sin. 

SECTION IX — HOLY MASS 

When we receive Holy Communion Our Lord is 
with us under the appearances of (looking like) 
bread. Does this happen by the power of the 
priest? 

The priest has the power that, when he says over 
bread and wine the words that Our Lord Jesus 
Christ commanded should be said, there is no 
longer bread or wine, but instead Our Lord is 
Himself present under the appearances of bread 
and wine. 

The priest receives this power from the 
bishop. 

Have the bishops been put by the apostles them- 
selves in place of the apostles? 

It follows, then, that the bishops have the same 
power that the apostles received from Jesus 
Christ. 

Is it at Mass that the priest uses his wonderful 
power and says over the bread and wine the words 
by which he makes the great change? 

At the beginning of Mass there is common bread 
on the altar. After a while the book is carried 
across the altar and everybody stands up. The 
bread still remains, for the priest has not yet said 
the words by which he makes the great change. 

Pretty soon the priest goes to the right-hand side 
of the altar and is seen to pour common wine into 
the chalice or cup. Afterward the bell rings for 



Confirmation 367 

the first time and all kneel. However, the bread 
still remains and so does the wine; for the priest 
has not yet said the words by which he makes the 
great change. 

Then follows what is called the elevation. The 
priest elevates, or lifts into the sight of the people, 
what seems to be bread, and then lifts the chalice 
containing what seems to be wine. Does the priest 
now lift bread and wine? 

Just before the elevation, or lifting of what 
seems to be bread, the priest said over it the words 
by which he made the great change. So what is 
lifted and seems to be bread is Jesus Christ under 
the appearances of bread. Again, just before lift- 
ing what seems to be wine, the priest said over it 
the words by which he made the great change. So 
what is lifted and seems to be wine is Jesus Christ 
under the appearances of wine. 

We now plainly see one of the reasons why Mass 
is so very sacred. It is most sacred for the reason 
that in it Jesus Christ, who is the God of heaven, 
obeys the call of the priest and, for our sakes, comes 
to the altar under appearances of bread and wine. 

SECTION X — CONFIRMATION 

Is there in the Church a sacrament by which we 
receive the Holy Ghost like the apostles received 
him when they were frightened and were hiding 
themselves after Jesus Christ had been put to 
death? What do we call that sacrament? 

When we are confirmed the Holy Ghost makes 
us strong and perfect Christians. He also makes 
us soldiers of Jesus Christ, that is loyal to (ready 



368 A First Communion Chat 

to stick to) the Church of Christ no matter what 
we may suffer on that account. 

(Here the learners can be profitably led to con- 
sider again the picture placed before them of the 
work of the Holy Ghost in the apostles, by which 
work the apostles on receiving the Holy Ghost 
passed at once from the state of helpless timidity 
regarding Christ's cause to the state of fearless 
courage regarding the same cause.) 

Who gives the sacrament of Confirmation? 

(The boys will profit by being told how the 
bishop administers the sacrament : ( i ) . He prays 
with hands extended over all who are to be con- 
firmed. ( 2 ) . He receives them singly at the altar 
and anoints on the forehead with the holy chrism 
saying, "I sign thee with the sign of the Cross," etc. 
(3). Lastly, he gives each of those confirmed a 
slight blow on the cheek to show that they will al- 
ways have grace or heavenly help to suffer for the 
Faith without giving it up.) 

Should the question be put, "How do the bishops 
come to have the power of giving us this sacrament 
by which we receive the Holy Ghost Himself ?" we 
shall answer as follows : The bishops have received 
this power from the twelve apostles; for, as the 
bishops have been put by the apostles themselves in 
the place of the apostles, the bishops have the 
power that the apostles received from Jesus Christ. 

SECTION XI — THE SACRAMENTS AS OUTWARD 
SIGNS 

We have seen that Jesus Christ instituted (made or 
gave us) each sacrament to give grace or help to the 
soul. Is it also true that He instituted each sacrament 



The Sacraments as Outward Signs 369 

as an outward sign of what the sacrament itself does 
for the soul ? The answer to this question is easily seen 
in what has already been taught. 

The sacrament of Penance is an outward sign of 
what that sacrament does for the soul. It is such by 
the fact of openly repeating what occurs in a police 
court. The judge in a police court hears the person 
who is under charges and lets the person off with, how- 
ever, some punishment. But the priest in confession 
does the same; he hears a person who puts himself 
under charges and lets the person off, with, however, 
some punishment which is called the "penance." Now 
here the sacrament of Penance is clearly an outward 
sign of what the sacrament itself does in giving God's 
grace or help which pardons sin while leaving the par- 
doned sinner obliged to do some punishment or pen- 
ance for his sin. 

The sacrament of Holy Eucharist (sacrament of holy 
communion) is an outward sign of what that sacra- 
ment does for the soul. It is such by the fact that in 
that sacrament Our Lord is openly on the altar under 
the appearances (looking like) bread and wine; that is, 
under the appearances of food and drink for the body. 
Now here the sacrament of Holy Eucharist is clearly 
an outward sign of what the sacrament itself does in 
feeding the soul with God's grace just as really as bread 
and wine feed the body. 

The sacrament of Confirmation is an outward sign 
of what that sacrament does for the soul. It is such by 
the fact of openly repeating in its own way what is 
done with those who become soldiers and are made 
ready for war. When the bishop confirms, he traces 
the cross on one's forehead ; that is, he traces there the 
mark of Christ's army. Besides the bishop says, "I 
confirm thee," — that is, *T strengthen thee for war," — 
"with the chrism of salvation." Now here the sacra- 
ment of Confirmation is clearly an outward sign of 



370 A First Communion Chat 

what this sacrament does in giving God's grace or help 
by which we are made strong and perfect Christians 
and soldiers of Jesus Christ. 

SECTION XII — (a) concerning THE COMMAND- 
MENTS OF GOD 

Impurity. In thought. — ^There is no sin if an 
impure thought merely comes into one's head and 
the person turns from the thought as soon as he re- 
members that it is wrong; but there is mortal sin if 
the person, remembering the thought to be wrong, 
goes on thinking of it and gives it a welcome into 
his heart. 

In word. — Some unclean actions are done with- 
out sin, other unclean actions are sinful to do. 
When none but boys are in the crowd it is not really 
a sin, though it may better be avoided, for them to 
talk of unclean things that are done without sin; 
but it is a sin for them to talk of unclean things that 
are sinful to do. 

In deed. — An impure action done through for- 
getfulness and by oversight is not sinful. An im- 
pure action done by a person who then remembers 
it is wrong makes him guilty of mortal sin. 

Abuse of the Holy Name. — ^There are some 
things the saying of which boys usually think sinful 
but which can be said without sin when spoken 
good-naturedly and without hurting anybody's feel- 
ings. Among these things (the imputation of 
canine maternal origin might also be Instanced) is 
the spoken wish that another shall go to hell, or, 
what comes to the same, be damned. 

But a boy may have this Idea : — *'SInce I may 
without sin say good-naturedly to my chum, *damn 



The Commandments of the Church 371 

you,* why is it a sin for me to speak good-naturedly 
the wish that God will damn him?" 

The answer to be given this boy is very simple. 
One sins in speaking the wish that God will damn 
his chum for the reason that the speaker then uses 
the holy name of God without respect. 

The same is to be said of the lad who, just to 
show that he is excited, uses the holy name of God 
or of Our Lord Jesus Christ. By using other words, 
as ''Gracious! Hello! Great Scott!" etc., the lad 
would be free to show his feelings and no harm 
done, but when he makes the Holy Name stand for 
''Gracious! Hello! Great Scott!" etc., he uses it 
without respect and so commits sin. 

Amusements. — Boys are mistaken when they 
get the idea that simple card-playing is sinful. You 
may ask, "Is it a sin for a lad to have part in card- 
playing or in crap-shooting, etc., for pennies or 
nickels?" Here is the answer: Taken by itself this 
kind of small gambling is not sinful. All the same it 
becomes sinful when forbidden by the boy's parents 
or when it strongly tempts him to go and steal money 
with which to play. And even when these games 
are not wrong because of the parents forbidding or 
because of the temptation that follows, still the boy 
may far better amuse himself some other way. For, 
if one gambles on a small scale while young, he 
may be led, when a man, to gamble on too large a 
scale — this is always a sin — and so lose his soul. 

(b) concerning the commandments of the 

CHURCH 

Does the Church command us in God's name ? 
So over and above the duty of saying our daily 



372 A First Communion Chat 

prayers, we are obliged to keep the laws made by 
the Church, and we sin by disobeying them. 

Does the Church command us to hear Mass on 
Sundays ? 

The same command holds for holy days of ob- 
ligation also. We have six holy days of obligation. 
Christmas is one of them and New Year's day is 
another. When the four other holy days of obli- 
gation come around you will hear them read out 
from the altar. 

However, when a person would have great dif- 
ficulty In hearing Mass on a Sunday or on a holy 
day of obligation, the Church does not command 
him to go. The Church also forbids, on Sundays 
and holy days of obligation, all hard work that peo- 
ple can at all get out of doing. 

Does the Church forbid us to play baseball, 
skate, swim, or have any other fun on Sundays? 

As the Church does not forbid Sunday fun the 
same is not sinful. 

Does the Church forbid the use of meat on Fri- 
days ? Why ? 

The same command of the Church holds for 
Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday and two other 
days that you will hear read out from the altar. 
However, when a person would have great diffi- 
culty in doing without meat on a Friday or on the 
other days, the Church does not forbid him to use 
it. 

How often does the Church command us to re- 
ceive holy communion? At what time of the 
year? 

But the Church would wish us to receive once a 
month or oftener. 



Prayers 373 

SECTION XIII — INDULGENCES 

As we have seen, purgatory is a place where souls 
that have sinned are punished not forever but for a 
time. Has the Catholic Church power to help us so 
that we can free our own souls, or the souls of others, 
from purgatory? 

The Church helps us in this matter by granting 
us indulgences. A full, or as it is called "plenary," 
indulgence is one by which the soul's stay in purgatory 
is ended. A partial indulgence is one by which the 
soul's stay in purgatory is shortened, though it may 
not be ended. 

The Church grants us indulgences for saying certain 
prayers or doing certain pious things which are to be 
found in the prayer-books. 

Should the question be put to us, "How do you 
know that what has just been said about indulgences is 
true?" we must be ready to answer as follows: We 
know this to be the truth because it is taught by the 
Catholic Church; that is, it is taught by the bishops 
all over the world, and the bishops, having been put 
by the apostles themselves in the place of the apostles, 
have the power that the apostles received from Christ 
to teach His truth. 

SECTION XIV — PRAYERS 

(The Acts are usually the part of ordinary inter- 
course with heaven that our street-boy friend has 
never known and masters with most difficulty. But 
happily the Acts can be shortened without incongru- 
ous and disrespectful results. The following abbre- 
viated forms may sometimes be found helpful.) 

Act of Faith 
O my God, I firmly believe all that Thou teach- 
est through the Holy Catholic Church. 



374 A First Communion Chat 

Act of Hope 

O my God, trusting in Thy goodness and prom- 
ises I hope, with Thy help, to reach heaven. 

Act of Love 

O my God, I love Thee with all my heart be- 
cause Thou art so good. 

Act of Contrition 

O my God, I am sorry for all my sins, because 
they would send me to hell, and because they dis- 
please Thee, Who art so good. With Thy help I 
will sin no more. 

(Neglected lads preparing for the sacraments arc 
always well disposed toward small devotional ob- 
jects. Accordingly they are pleased to accept rosa- 
ries, and once in possession willingly learn to make 
such use of the same as is had without the labor of 
attending to the mysteries. When better can not be 
done it is well, of course, to inculcate the practice 
of saying the beads even less perfectly; this with 
the hope that improvement will appear later on. 
The following little rule is contributed to the under- 
taking.) 

How to Say the Beads 

1. At the Cross say the Creed. 

2. For every big bead say one "Our Father.** 

3. For every small bead say one "Hail Mary.** 

4. Every time you finish saying "Hail Marys** 
say one "Glory be to the Father.** 



WITH BADGE PURCHASERS (CHAPS. IX AND X) 
The multiple button here described is recommended as 
one involving little expense and very popular with boys. 
Its size, color, and slightly varied design are shown by the 
accompanying cuts; which, however, since they lack curved 
projection and gloss, can not by any means do full justice 
to the original. 

A MULTIPLE BUTTON 






In the author's practice, the emblem (indicating higher 
rank accordingly as the cross becomes more conspicuous), 
is graded as follows: Badge A, for officers; B, for Veteran 
Members; C, for New Members. 

Owing to their low cost, B and C can be especially 
recommended for first use; two varieties will suffice during 
the earlier period of organization. 

Those who would employ these articles may be aided 
by the following information : 

The page that bears the cuts can be used by purchasers 
as a description of the goods required. 

The emblems are of the class known as photo or celluloid buttons. 
They are really buttons, and have no pin attachment. 

Badge A (% inch diameter) differs from the others by having a screw 
(button) back and a bright metal rim. 

Radges B and C {% inch diameter) are rimless and similar in style to 
the ordinary"- campaign button. 

In ordering, it may seem preferable to specify a light 
purple cross (with, of course, letters of the same shade), 
as furnishing a stronger background for the gold, rather 
than a blue cross. This is, however, a matter of taste. 

Lettering on emblems must, of course, vary alphabet- 
ically with the names of different organizations; but, for- 
tunately, in the class of work now considered, any desired 
lettering is furnished without increased charge. 

As the present goods are entitled to neatness of appear- 
ance in keeping with their religious purpose, every effort 
should be made to have them supplied with red borders of 
even width all around. 

Supplies can be furnished at the following prices : 
Badge A, per 500 ...... $50.00 

Badge B and C, per 1,000 ..... 15.00 

Similar emblems, but equipped with undesirable pin 
backs, are obtainable at cheaper rates. 



A WOODEN RACK FOR TIN TORCHES 

(Chapter VII) 

The article represented by the subjoined cut will 
prove helpful wherever arrangements for torch- 
light parades may be permanently maintained. Ac- 
commodating thirty pieces, it is handy for storage 




as well as for the tasks of transportation and filling 
with oil. The holder, made of J^-inch by 3-inch 
material, is of the following dimensions: length, 3 
feet I o inches ; width, i foot 8 inches ; height, 2 
feet 6 inches. 



375 



A FEW SPORTS FOUND HELPFUL TO 
^'INDOOR FUN" (Chapter XII) 

Races 

Let a number of competitors, the more of them 
the better, be equipped with common oblong bak- 
ing pans, a "shoe" for each foot, and they will 
gladly vie with one another in a sort of old folks 
shuffling movement. This match is well adapted 
to the "go as you please" plan by which laps are 
counted until the expiration of a given time. 

A trial that is slower and less of a "dust raiser" 
than the preceding is inaugurated by placing flour 
barrels erect (both ends removed), a boy ready for 
action standing in each. Once the match is on, the 
"sprinter" is forbidden to place hands on his mova- 
ble cage and consequently is obliged to kick it along 
awkwardly as he advances. But often this en- 
deavor fails; the balky barrel withstands the run- 
ner's eager movements and trips him to the floor. 

Stilts also can be utilized for "races," though 
my confidence in their safety is not such as to pre- 
vent the suggestion that the supports should ele- 
vate the walkers only a foot or less from the floor. 
Transit on these wooden uprights will be all the 
more embarrassing if their two supports have been 
placed at unequal heights. Besides stilt travelers 
can go through a "hurdle race" by jumping over 
a few joists an inch or two high laid here and there 
on the floor. 

376 



sports for '^Indoor Fun' 



377 



Another means of so retarding movement as to 
squeeze much endeavor within a narrow compass 
is the use of rings, twelve inches or less in diam- 
eter, made of clothesline or similar material, these 
encircling the ankles of the competitors and resting 
on their insteps. Restrained in this manner, the 
usually fleet Mercurys have to forego the pleasure 
of showing their heels to rivals and must content 
themselves with a slow quick step which might seem 
effeminate were it not for the right manly tumbles 
that ensue. It is worthy the remark that the cords 
if used for any prolonged activity can be relied 
upon to produce slight bruises that will not be less 
real because noticeable only on the following day. 

A match that replaces excitement with abundant 
amusement is furnished by placing youngsters, indi- 




vidually or in teams, on casks (not ordinary bar- 
rels) as represented in the diagram. 

The travelers are then required to advance to- 
ward the goal by hand movement, dismounted con- 



378 Sports for '' Indoor Fun^* 

testants being obliged to return to the starting point 
and begin anew. 

The event is at its best when two competitors are 
placed on each roller. Under this arrangement 
the mates instead of being mutually helpful are 
usually in each other^s way; consequently they 
easily fall to the floor and are obliged to return 
again and again to the starting point. Contestants 
in this game can not be at all sure of victory be- 
cause much in the lead and even within a few inches 
of the goal. Very often lads who are thus on the 
very threshold of success fall to the dust, yielding 
victory to slower but surer "dark horses/' who have 
lumbered along in the rear, and who now cross the 
finish line amidst thunderous applause. 

As will be explained more fully in connection 
with doings described further on, considerable fun 
can be created if boys after having taken a sitting 
posture are enabled to glide about the floor in de- 
fiance of the latter's efforts to retaliate in a way ex- 
pensive to both clothing and personal comfort. For 
this reason round steel frying pans, notwithstand- 
ing their pronounced domesticity, can be advan- 
tageously turned into field protections which need 
not be despised even though their anatomical bear- 
ings constitute a timid departure from the armorial 
traditions of more heroic times. Any dealer will 
order a number of pans (steel) direct from the fac- 
tory and without handles. The last suggestion is 
important; by all means see that the boys use the 
articles without handles. 

The first use of these metals is for a "speed*' con- 
test in which the individual sitters drag themselves 



sports for ** Indoor Fun'^ 379 

literally "by dint of heels" toward the goal. This 
proceeding can be varied by forming the partici- 
pants into rival bands. A harness to connect those 
of the same party consists of simple cord rings 
joined one with the other, as shown by the accom- 
panying cut. These rings do not need to be secured 
to the wearers in any way but are merely slipped 
under the arms and about the breast. 




Of course, there is nothing to prevent the intro- 
duction of further complications by placing some of 
the lads on each side back to back. When the 
''trains" thus formed are sent in opposite directions 
around the arena there is always prospect of a col- 
lision with entanglement, and a resulting potpourri 
of arms, legs, shouts, and derelict pans that abun- 
dantly compensates for the failure of the contest 
originally planned. 



Throwing Games 

It is well to find harmless applications for the 
youthful propensity, so leniently contemplated by 
glaziers, to throw something at anything. A sim- 



380 sports for '^Indoor Fun'* 

pie outlet for that form of energy is provided by a 
board target on which a common baseball is used. 
Holes, which can be of different sizes, are made in 
the target and the passage of the balls through 
these wins points higher or lower according to the 
sizes of the apertures. 

Quoits, with variations entirely congenial to the 
audience, can be had by means of the gutta-percha 
rings and metal pin found on the market, these arti- 
cles being used in conjunction with a common 
springboard. Each of the youngsters engaged in 
the pastime takes his turn at the "jumping-off" end 
of the plank and there endeavors to encircle the 
pin (placed nearby) with the rings. Meanwhile, his 
undertaking is antagonized by the rest of the party, 
for they also have place on the springboard and for 
the purpose of agitating the same to the utmost of 
their power. 

The same kind of activity can be given a more 
elaborate objective through a species of bowling. 
However, instead of using the ponderous sphere 
that thunders along the regular alleys, we can have 
recourse to a baseball; while the big pins of the 
real game are replaced by half a dozen or so of the 
smallest sized Indian clubs. The latter little articles 
having been placed in line, junior marksmen are 
invited to fire upon them from "around the corner" 
as it were; that is, they are required to project the 
balls first against an upright plank or other per- 
pendicular surface from which the balls must 
"carom off" in order to reach the pins. 

As will be seen in the diagram, a pin is less likely 



sports for ^'Indoor Fun! 



381 



to be hit accordingly as the angle formed by itself, 
the perpendicular surface, and the thrower is wider; 
hence overturned clubs count toward victory in the 
ratio of that angle. These values are shown on 
this page by the figures i, 2, 3, etc. The pin 
in the smallest angle, if '^downed," counts one; the 
next, with its slightly larger angle, counts two ; and 
so on until the highest possible tally, six, is reached. 



C:^^^ 







But, of course, the "real thing" In throwing Is 
had by the use of a *'human target." To obtain 
that feature provide a large size barrel (such e.g., 
as employed in the crockery business for the ship- 
ment of goods) or box and Invite the boys to hide 
themselves, successively, within ; each lad being un- 
der agreement to spring into full sight at the given 
signal so as to become for a second or two a mark 
for his mates. Tally must be kept of the number of 
times heroes are slain (any shot taking effect is con- 
sidered fatal) and the youth whose charmed life 
has been lost the smallest number of times is de- 
clared winner. 

The missiles for this kind of dueling ought to be 



3 §2 sports for ''Indoor Fun'* 

nothing more deadly than soft Indoor baseballs. 
However, as they will be driven with much force, 
there Is need of safeguarding the living target from 
the possibility of real Injury; this can be done by 
having him wear the mouth and nose protector of 
the football field besides slipping on a padded coat. 
Neither Is It to be Imagined that the use of these 
buffers will banish sanguinary Interest In proceed- 
ings. On the contrary, the precautions named leave 
in prospect so much more thumping than most able- 
bodied dodgers are willing to receive that means 
must be found of Inducing the object of attack to 
raise his manly form to the extent necessary for 
business, i.e., to its full height. 

An arrangement that reveals cowardice and thus 
meets the emergency Is had by a cord passing 
through a ring In the celling nearby, at the end of 
which cord some very light object Is attached. As 
soon as the cask receives a new prisoner he must 
stand erect until the soft weight has been so ad- 
justed as to Indicate his stature. Afterward, when 
signaled, the jumper Is required to bring the top of 
his head fairly up to this telltale object under pain 
of losing points In the game. 

Appreciation of this pastime will be much height- 
ened If Its leading character be fitted out with a 
comic mask so as to spring in all the glory of opera- 
bouffe from his hiding place. The mask, which can 
be easily adjusted outside of the rubber face pro- 
tector, is at Its best when bearing a formidable nasal 
development. This feature immediately becomes 
the favorite point of attack and the shot by which 
it is utterly demolished is sure to be acclaimed the 
"hit of the evening." 



sports for ^'Indoor Fun** 383 

Miscellaneous Sports 

Boxing gloves, if admitted, will be amusingly 
placed on the hands of two or more combatants 
who have been well blindfolded. The pugilists, 
deprived by this circumstance of all of their bear- 
ings but remaining as lively as ever, will not fail to 
create very entertaining situations. 

Attractive and absolutely safe **tlght rope walk- 
ing" can take place on a wire cable of small diam- 
eter raised not more than a foot from the floor. 
This metal support must be made fast at either end 
to the masonry or columns of the building and is 
afterward rendered perfectly taut by use of an ex- 
pansion draw. With proper arrangements made 
for attaching the ends of the cable that article is 
in a few moments either put up and stiffened, or 
loosened and removed. When ready for use the 
metal pathway, as it is raised only a few Inches, calls 
for no balancing pole and is strong enough to be 
crowded with adventurers all ''trying" simultane- 
ously. Those who are seen to keep the cable along 
its entire length afterward compete among them- 
selves until somebody has demonstrated unap- 
proachable skill. 

The round steel frying pans already mentioned 
and a cask of good size provide for a very enter- 
taining miniature parody on the old-fashioned game 
of football. The contestants, divided into oppos- 
ing groups, seat themselves in the receptacles named 
and apply their soles to the large roller. In this 
way they propel the cask toward the opposite wall 
which serves as goal. Either party by pushing 



384 sports for ''Indoor Fun'^ 

the "football" thither despite the enemy wins a 
point. 

The cask used for the present purpose becomes 
safe if merely deprived of its sharp edges. Let 
the extreme hoops at either end be removed. This 
done, the head and bottom, both of which are to 
be retained, must be secured in their places by 
sunken screws, and afterward beveled all around 
in such a manner that players can encounter none 
but rounded surfaces. Owing especially to its 
rough hoop attachments the cask, should it be used 
on flooring of quality, will have to be softened by a 
canvas or other covering. 

While the tug-of-war in its regular form de- 
mands a long stretch of ground and then gives oc- 
cupation to only five athletes on a side, it can be 
adapted to a small arena and a dozen or more con- 
testants in each group by a simple change in the 
rope arrangements. The usual single and lengthy 
extension is replaced by four or six shorter ones 
which (by means of an iron ring at the end of each 
rope — these rings encircling a larger one) proceed 
from a single center and are able to accommodate 
two large squads of opposing pullers. 

Indoor "tugs-of-war" will prove all the more ac- 
ceptable if held on planks (which, however, may 
sometimes be found rather cumbersome for placing 
and removing with orderly rapidity) furnished 
with cleats so as to afi^ord footholds. If this addi- 
tion should be made, half a dozen planks, three for 
each side, may be provided as follows :— length as 
desired; thickness, one inch; width, fourteen inches. 
The cleats screwed on at intervals of fifteen inches, 



sports for ^'Indoor Fun** 385 

can be one and one-half inches in both width and 
height. 

Should there be any preference for a struggle 
resembling the above, but ropeless, it will follow 
from placing a wooden pole of suitable length and 
diameter in the hands of two opposing parties 
standing face to face in the center of the arena. 
The winners are declared such when, retaining the 
"bone of contention" despite the enemy, they have 
backed themselves into touch with their own wall. 

Youngsters generally are given to making hand- 
springs on occasions and by that disposition are in 
readiness for a very amusing tumbling match. In 
preparing for this event, place a mat supporting at 
one of its extremities a common flour barrel. The 
latter should have both ends removed, thus per- 
mitting a boy to lie lengthwise through the 
article to steady the same and keep it in position. 
As will be seen, this arrangement suggests 
springs which a performer begins with his hands 
resting on the mat and finishes by projecting 
his body over the barrel, the feet landing on the 
floor. 

The lads who are to take active part are now 
formed into rival bands, the plan being that these 
will compete in making the greater number of rev- 
olutions during the three or four minutes allowed 
each of the opposing forces in turn. When the first 
squad has begun, its members after tumbling once 
over th« wooden pivot return again and again to 
the starting point for repeated trials, until the time 
is up. The second squad follows in like manner 
and so on. 



386 Sports for ''Indoor Fun** 

All lads who have entered the contest must con- 
tinue to take their turns until the end. This rule is 
necessary, for if the dropping of clumsy acrobats 
be permitted the game, while ceasing to be fairly 
conducted, may lose much of its fun. Almost every 
group after making a few laps develops an awk- 
ward *'Fatty" Somebody or Other whose winded 
rotundity becomes stranded on the barrel ; and the 
event, which delights all save the victim and his 
obstructed associates is one not to be missed. 

There is considerable probability that the tum- 
bling match will fail of reaching its intended finish. 
Occasionally the barrel, unfitted for the rough treat- 
ment received, yields to some substantial straw 
heavy enough to break the camePs back into pieces. 
This occurrence, however, merely changes the tone 
of the diversion without destroying its interest; for 
there is no end of merriment when the living ballast 
that had been reposing in apparent security within 
the wooden cylinder must be helped out of a sud- 
den crush of hoops and staves. 

Indoor baseball, at present enjoyed only In ar- 
mories and the larger gymnasiums, can be accom- 
modated on a small floor without any change In the 
ball itself but with the introduction of cord rings on 
the insteps (described above), together with the 
employment of a bat some fourteen inches long and 
of broomstick thickness. The cords, by obliging a 
player to take steps only a foot in length, make an 
inter-base stretch of three or four yards the real 
equivalent of the far longer inter-base distance of 
the regular field. However, legislation must be en- 
forced against jumping, otherwise those concerned 



sports for "Indoor Fun" 387 

will have recourse to grasshopper methods of nulli- 
fying their handicap. 

Meanwhile our slender, cut-off bat used on an 
ordinary soft indoor baseball renders every real hit 
a correspondingly great achievement. Take note 
that clubs of small diameter will be quickly broken 
unless made of strong material. Moreover, they 
should be equipped with the customary enlarged 
handle without which slips may occur to the injury 
of bystanders. 

Bases can be made of pieces of the heaviest cor- 
rugated rubber matting. These articles laid rough 
side down will keep their places for the purpose of 
the present game as well as if glued. All slides are 
of course prohibited, for the base that the ham- 
pered "runner" must reach afoot with great diffi- 
culty, if at all, is ever within touching distance, 
should he be let measure his length along the floor. 

While a limited arena may reduce the number of 
players, the game nevertheless retains under the 
foregoing restrictions enough of its original merits 
to please not only those engaged but also their com- 
panions. As the miniature sport occurs in its en- 
tirety close at hand, the onlookers are quite as much 
favored as those of the ordinary game who, by 
some wondrous means of locomotion, were able to 
accompany the ball bodily every inch of its flight. 
Accordingly, whenever there may be need, the audi- 
ence can be kept for quite a length of time well oc- 
cupied watching "baggers" run without any bags 
and "sky scrapers" fielded without any sky. 

The last of these suggestions concerns a conflict 
resembling the barnyard unpleasantness enough 



388 Sports for ''Indoor Fun'' 

that the boys will generally call it the "rooster 
fight/* The preliminaries are had by seating a 
couple of spirited chaps on the floor to be pinioned 
according to the subjoined illustration. The feet 
are tied together as also the wrists, and meanwhile 
a short stick is placed between the arms and knees. 
As will at once be seen, a youth whose limbs are se- 
cured in this manner is easily rolled over by any 
little opposing force that may be brought to bear on 
him. 

This observation explains the nature of the com- 
bat. Two fighters, shackled according to direc- 
tions but making the best of their limited activities, 
strive to overturn each other. Neither is accounted 




to have fallen unless completely down, that is with 
one or both shoulder blades touching the boards; 
but for every time one of the combatants is thus 
indisputably floored, his opponent scores a point. 
Victory, of course, comes to the party inflicting the 
greater number of falls. 

In attempting to thus down the enemy the duel- 



M'o: 







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ssi^^imsoD 




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€U^ i^ to Certifp tfjat 

^^£/ ^€a ccei'Z^ ■^€€'^1 -ieceti/ef/ er-d. cc -*/«<?«?« 

(CHURCH, CITY, AND STATE) t^'^ete^. /^e /it./(e ^J, 



le €4.d€^<Z'i ft'ii^'PCl, 



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sports for '^Indoor Fun'* 389 

ists, like their prototypes of the domestic roost, 
must rely chiefly on the use of their pedal extremi- 
ties. A strategist having succeeded in working his 
feet ever so little under those of the enemy can, by 
a slight tip, lay the latter low and so to speak "wipe 
the floor with him." But other methods of attack 
carry the day. Even pokes with the head some- 
times play a part In the battle, and when suffered by 
a combatant who Is partially out of balance easily 
cause him to bite the dust. 

This game becomes exceedingly amusing by the 
realistic "deaths" of the performers. "Keeled 
over," they are as helpless and motionless as birds 
with necks twisted yesterday. Very often, after 
giving each other mortal pushes, both combatants 
become suddenly "lifeless." And then there is high 
sport In observing the changes that suddenly turn 
the tide of victory. "Rooster fights," more than 
most games, illustrate the adage "while there is 
life, there is hope." Very often a much disabled 
fighter lying on his side and almost completely top- 
pled over manages by a last and despairing move 
to send the enemy rolling into the "Valley of 
Death." 



Printed by Benziger Brothers, New York. 



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MISCELLANEOUS. 

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CATHOLIC HOME ANNUAL. Stories by Best Writers. 25 

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GENTLEMAN, A. Egan. 

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HYMN-BOOK. 

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SURSUM CORDA. Hymns. Paper, 0.15; cloth, 

9 





net. 


75 




net. 


50 




net. 


75 




net, 


1 00 
35 




net. 


T5 
10 


O'Grady. 


net. 


60 


s.oo. 


4.00, 


6 00 


8.00. 


4.00. 


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1 00 






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26 



SURSUM CORDA. With English and German Text. 45 

VISIT TO EUROPE AND THE HOLY LAND. Fairbanks. 1 50 

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